Criminal Defense News

Kings County New York District Attorney Announces Indictment In Shooting of Police Officer

Brooklyn, New York – Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced the indictment of Jose Rivera, 31, on charges of Attempted Murder in the First Degree, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and Attempted Assault in the First Degree.

Rivera is charged with shooting Police Officer Andrew Suarez in the torso at 4:30 a.m. Saturday.Driving a white Acura, Rivera pulled up next to an unmarked police car on Sixth Avenue and Prospect Place in Park Slope. Suarez displayed his badge and asked if Rivera was lost. Rivera pulled out a gun and fired, hitting Suarez. The other officers in the car with Suarez returned fire, striking Rivera’s car several times.

Rivera’s wife, Jacqueline Melendez-Rivera, a police officer stationed at the 81st Precinct, is charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence and other related counts. She was apprehended while attempting to hide Rivera’s car, which had several bullet holes.

If convicted, Rivera faces 25 years to life in prison. Assistant District Attorney Lara Brody and Charles Guria, Chief of Police Integrity, are prosecuting the case.

Contact us now to obtain a free case review or want more information on our New York Criminal Defense Lawyers.

	Did You Know?
	There are 3 basic types with standard of proof There are essentially three standards of proof applicable in most court proceedings. In criminal and delinquency cases, the offense must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, the highest standard. In civil cases and neglect and dependency proceedings, the lowest standard applies by a mere preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not). In some civil cases, and in juvenile proceedings such a permanent termination of parental rights, an intermediate standard applies: proof by clear and convincing evidence.