Machete-Wielding Suspect Arrested After Pipe Bomb Discovery Outside Harlem’s 25th Precinct
The arrest of a machete-wielding suspect ended on Wednesday in a massive NYPD operation outside of Harlem’s 25th Precinct on Wednesday after what authorities believed to be a pipe bomb was discovered directly outside of the station, police brass said.
Arrest and Charges
A Manhattan man was indicted for allegedly threatening his cousin with a pipe-bomb and hitting him with a machete, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. announced on Wednesday.
Chontrell Wrenick, 50, was charged with one count each of second-degree assault and first-, third- and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
The Incident
According to court documents, at 11:30 a.m. on July 24, Wrenick’s cousin drove to Wrenick’s apartment in East Harlem, located near East 130th Street and Lexington Avenue, to pick him up. When he arrived, Wrenick allegedly entered the car on the front passenger side, carrying a camouflage tote bag.
A few minutes later, Wrenick allegedly pulled out a pipe-bomb from the tote bag and threatened to ignite the car as his cousin drove southbound on Lexington Avenue. Wrenick then allegedly placed the bomb to the side and grabbed and squeezed his cousin’s shirt collar, and pulled out a machete.
Wrenick then allegedly hit his cousin in the back of his head with the machete, causing a laceration.
Discovery and Arrest
At 12:08 p.m. that day, Wrenick’s cousin parked in front of the 25th Precinct and reported the incident to police officers, who were stationed outside. Officers recovered the bomb and the tote bag, which allegedly contained a 16-inch machete and a knife, and Wrenick was arrested.
Search Warrant and Investigation
Following a court-authorized search warrant at Wrenick’s apartment, officers allegedly uncovered bomb-making materials, such as fuses and powder residue.
Statement from District Attorney Bragg
“As alleged, Chontrell Wrenick committed an alarming and dangerous attack that jeopardized the safety of his own cousin,” said District Attorney Bragg. “The explosive device posed a significant threat to the lives of innocent Manhattanites, and I am grateful law enforcement was able to intervene and safely recover the device. I wish the victim a speedy recovery.”
Conclusion
The arrest of Chontrell Wrenick and the recovery of the pipe bomb and bomb-making materials are a testament to the bravery and quick thinking of the NYPD and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in keeping our communities safe.
FAQs
Q: What was the nature of the incident?
A: Chontrell Wrenick allegedly threatened his cousin with a pipe-bomb and hit him with a machete.
Q: What charges was Wrenick facing?
A: Wrenick was charged with one count each of second-degree assault and first-, third- and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Q: Where was the incident reported?
A: The incident was reported outside of the 25th Precinct in Harlem.
Q: What was found during the search warrant?
A: Bomb-making materials, such as fuses and powder residue, were found during the search warrant at Wrenick’s apartment.
