Venezuelan Migrant Arrested for Theft After Assaulting NYPD Officers
- Venezuelan migrant, Yohenry Brito, who led an assault on NYPD officers in Times Square, has been arrested again for theft.
- Brito was initially accused of beating two NYPD officers and then quickly making bail, only to be caught for serial theft afterwards.
- The migrant's criminal activities continue to escalate, raising concerns about public safety and his repeated offenses.
Yohenry Brito, a 24-year-old Venezuelan migrant, was arrested late Tuesday for multiple thefts at Manhattan Sephora locations. The incidents included a July theft where he allegedly cut security wires to steal fragrances and another on August 6, where he stole $1,358 worth of merchandise. Brito was previously involved in a violent altercation with NYPD officers in Times Square on January 27, where he was seen attacking two officers alongside six other migrants. Following the Times Square incident, Brito was initially released but was later taken back into custody due to public outcry and held on a $15,000 cash bail or a $50,000 bond. He had two pending misdemeanor theft cases at the time. Activist Juan Ruiz, from the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, helped secure Brito's release, emphasizing the presumption of innocence. However, Brito's legal troubles continued, as he was arrested again for attempting to steal children's clothing and fragrances from Macy's Herald Square. In response to Brito's repeated offenses, Judge Laura Ward warned him of severe consequences if he was rearrested. NYC Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry expressed relief at Brito's return to custody, stating that individuals involved in the Times Square assault show a blatant disregard for the law. Brito is now facing felony theft charges and is being held on a $25,000 cash bond for the July theft and a $50,000 bond related to the police assault.