Brian O’Donnell, an NYPD detective, is currently in a serious condition in hospital after suffering a deep gash to his face while tackling a suspect in the city of New York.
The incident unfolded after police officers attempted to arrest Akram Judeh, who was trying to remove a wheel clamp from his illegally parked car. Judeh took flight, with officers in pursuit.
O’Donnell happened to be in the area and tackled Judeh, who produced a meat cleaver he had concealed and struck him across the face, causing serious injury. The pursuing officers caught up and fired 18 shots, striking the attacker several times.
The suspect, who has a long criminal history, is understood to be alive but in a critical condition in hospital.
O’Donnell, who has been a police officer for 16 years, remains in hospital too, in a serious condition.