Ex-Yonkers Police Sergeant Acquitted of Assault Charges

An ex-Yonkers police officer was found not guilty of assault after a court trial concerning an incident caught on video during a high-speed chase.

Hector Cartagena, a Detective Sergeant with 31 years on the force before his termination over the March 14 event, faced charges of assault but was cleared by Westchester County court in a verdict announced by Judge George Fufidio.

“The full acquittal of Sergeant Cartagena brings closure to a difficult pursuit of justice,” stated his lawyer, Joe Tacopina. “This case should never have been initiated.”

Prosecutors claimed Cartagena punched or hit the suspect, Torrell Hook, at least 10 times during his arrest, leading to injuries including a fractured orbital bone.

According to bodycam video, officers pulled over Hook following a high-speed chase triggered by a stolen vehicle report. During the confrontation, despite being zapped with a Taser, the suspect resisted arrest, prompting Cartagena to strike him multiple times.

Cartagena’s attorney argued that Hook was reckless, twice brake-checked police, drove at 95 mph, and nearly hit pedestrians before engaging physically with officers.

District Attorney Susan Cacace expressed strong disagreement with the court’s decision, asserting that bodycam footage clearly demonstrated misconduct.

Meanwhile, supporters highlighted Cartagena’s long service, stating he served the community honorably and called him a hero for his 31 years of dedication.