Sources: At least 2 more suspects in NYPD Times Square attack identified, warrants issued
NEW YORK -- There is new information in the search for the suspects officials say were involved in the attack on two NYPD officers in Times Square late last month.
So far, six have been charged and police are looking for seven others. Police sources told CBS New York on Wednesday that at least two of them have been identified and there are warrants out for their arrest.
The NYPD is looking for a man who is seen on video wearing a red shirt and white hat during the Jan. 27 assault. Law enforcement sources close to the investigation said he attacked the officers several times, kicking them at least three times and then throwing a punch.
There is also a wanted poster for another man, who sources said is seen on the video kicking and then falling.
A law enforcement source said Kelvin Servita Arocha, one of the five suspects already charged but released, is seen on surveillance video provided by the NYPD wearing camouflage and kicking a police radio, but he does not touch an officer.
READ MORE: Grand jury indicts Johenry Brito in Jan. 27 attack on NYPD officers in Times Square
The same source added another released suspect, Wilson Juarez, didn't touch the officers but did exchange clothes with the alleged instigator of the fight, Yohenry Brito, who is being held on Rikers Island.
"As soon as they commit or are suspected of committing a crime, they should be turned over to ICE, and that's why we formed Immigration and Customs Enforcement right after 9/11," City Councilman Bob Holden said.
Holden said he is drafting legislation that would repeal laws that prevent the NYPD and any city agencies from working with ICE.
READ MORE: Lawmakers want New York City to resume cooperating with ICE after migrant arrests
This comes after ICE said Tuesday that "special agents apprehended four individuals on a bus" traveling from El Paso, Texas to Phoenix that were "believed to be fleeing the state of New York from their suspected involvement" in the Times Square assault.
However, on Wednesday, a representative for the Manhattan District attorney said the four individuals that ICE took into custody were not affiliated with the New York City investigation.
Also, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said, "The information coming out of Phoenix is not verified at this time."
"If you can attack a cop and be out the same day, that needs to be changed. That is just insane," Holden said. "They have no ties to New York City. They have no apartments. They're on the public doll and we're paying everything. We're paying for their legal fees, food, clothing and laundry."
READ MORE: Calls grow to deport migrants who attacked NYPD officers in Times Square
The Manhattan DA has said there is a short window to indict a suspect and if that doesn't happen the person needs to be released from custody.
All six suspects that have been charged are accused of second-degree assault. Some of them are due in court later this month.
They each face up to seven years in prison if convicted.
Immigration advocacy groups have been calling on the NYPD to release body camera footage in the incident. So far, the NYPD has not said if that will happen.
