NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A 29-year-old man will spend 16 years in prison after pleading guilty on Monday to trying to kill a Suffolk County police officer while attempting to flee a traffic stop in 2021.
Jonathan Nunez, 27, was ordered to return to court on March 13 after entering a guilty plea to 10 charges for the stabbing that nearly killed Sergeant Chris Racioppo.
According to court documents and statements Nunez made in his guilty plea allocution, Racioppo observed a vehicle being driven in an erratic manner and with its lights off, on South Ocean Avenue in Patchogue on April 10, 2021, around 10:30 p.m.
When Racioppo activated his emergency lights in an attempt to pull the car over, Nunez, the driver, sped away and the officer pursued him.
Nunez subsequently crashed into another vehicle at a high rate of speed, totaling both vehicles and causing minor injury to the other driver. Nunez then exited his vehicle and, despite orders from Racioppo to stop, he fled on foot.
Officer Racioppo chased Nunez into a backyard, where Nunez stabbed Officer Racioppo in his upper left leg, severing his femoral artery.
Prosecutors said witnesses and other responding officers at the scene were able to restrain Nunez and render lifesaving aid to Racioppo.
Racioppo was in extremely critical condition after losing nearly his entire blood supply. He was taken to Long Island Community Hospital first, and then to Stony Brook University Hospital. After being intubated, Racioppo underwent life-saving blood transfusions and surgery.
"This is yet another stark reminder of the dangers that our police officers face every day," said Suffolk County District Attorney Tierney. "This defendant admitted that he nearly killed a police officer who was merely conducting a simple traffic stop."
Racioppo, who was at the hearing Monday with his wife, Brittany, and dozens of Suffolk Police Benevolent Association members, told Newsday that he was "relieved" that Nunez had pleaded guilty.
"I'm satisfied with the 16-year sentence. I do believe Mr. Nunez does belong behind bars," said Racioppo. "I think it is safer for him and safer for everybody else in Suffolk County."
