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Accused NYPD cop basher slugged probation officer just 3 days after release, prompting judge to boost bail to $75K
A Long Island man accused of slugging a New York City police officer in Times Square allegedly punched his parole officer in the face just three days after making bail.
nypost.com
Accused NYPD cop basher slugged probation officer just 3 days after release, prompting judge to boost bail to $75K
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Published March 15, 2024, 4:45 p.m. ET
A Long Island man accused of slugging a New York City police officer in Times Square allegedly punched his parole officer in the face just three days after making bail.
The assault prompted Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Felicia Mennin to boost 24-year-old Michael Thomas’ bail to $75,000 during a court hearing on Thursday.
Thomas, of Great Neck, was previously bailed out by his mom, who ponied up his $10,000 bond at the time of his arraignment last month on a charge of second-degree assault on a police officer, prosecutors said.
3 Michael Thomas, 24, allegedly punched his parole officer three days after receiving bail. Steven Hirsch
He now faces the same charge for attacking his probation officer in Nassau County just three days after his release, according to prosecutors.
Thomas’ attorney said in court that he was currently being held in a mental health observation unit in a Nassau County jail.
He’s accused of punching an NYPD officer near the New York Public Library at about 1:45 a.m. on Feb. 4.
Thomas allegedly approached two police officer who were on patrol and began verbally harassing them, according to prosecutors.
3 Thomas had his bail increased to $75,000 after punching his probation officer while out on bail. Steven Hirsch
The cops told Thomas to walk away — but he continued to follow them while berating them, stating it was his “first amendment right to do so” and that “there was no such thing as harassment against a police officer,” prosecutors said.
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When one of the officers pushed Thomas to maintain a safe distance, the convicted felon allegedly then slugged the other cop in the face, breaking his nose, according to prosecutors.
3 Thomas is accused of slugging a police officer following an altercation near Times Square. Getty Images
At the time of his Feb. 5 arraignment, prosecutors had asked a judge to set bail at $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond due to Thomas’ prior convictions, including one felony and one misdemeanor.
His next court date is June 6.