New York Officer Left Bloodied in Street Attack as Suspect’s Arrest Unfolds on Camera

A rookie New York City police officer was left bleeding after a violent confrontation in the Bronx, where a man allegedly struck her in the face as she attempted to intervene in a street dispute. The incident, captured on video, showed bystanders helping the injured officer while her partner moved to restrain the suspect.

The encounter took place on August 8, 2024, near the intersection of Rosedale and Randall Avenues in the Bronx, according to the New York Post.

Officer Attacked While Trying to Intervene

The officer, identified in court documents as Mary Fay, was reportedly attempting to break up an argument involving a man and several young people when the situation escalated.

Authorities identified the suspect as Ernst Delma, who was 41 at the time. He allegedly struck Fay in the face, knocking her to the ground.

Video recorded by a bystander showed blood on the officer’s face as a passerby helped her get back on her feet. Her partner then confronted Delma, and a physical struggle followed as officers attempted to take him into custody.

Fay suffered a facial injury and was transported to a local hospital in stable condition, according to the initial report.

Arrest Footage Draws Attention

The arrest became widely discussed after footage circulated showing the struggle between Delma and the officers. During the confrontation, Delma resisted as the other officer attempted to restrain him.

When Delma was later escorted from a police precinct, he had a swollen, injured eye that appeared to have been treated with stitches.

Speaking to reporters, he expressed regret but also claimed he had been intoxicated and had not intended to strike the officer. His explanation was disputed by police union representatives, who emphasized that Fay had been wearing her uniform.

Suspect Faced Multiple Charges

Following the incident, Delma faced charges including assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration, according to the New York Post’s report.

The case later resulted in a prison sentence. In an October 2025 announcement, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office said Delma had pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, followed by three years of post-release supervision. The prosecutor’s account stated that he struck Fay in the face with a hard plastic bottle, fracturing her nose and causing a cut to her upper lip that required 13 stitches.

The district attorney’s announcement provides a later account of the case beyond the initial arrest coverage.

Sources:

Original report:  Nypost