Glendale Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Attacking Girl, Biting NYPD Sergeant

Feliz Enrique pleaded guilty to assault charges after 2025 incident in Queens.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:22pm

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A 31-year-old Glendale man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to attacking a 9-year-old girl and biting off the fingertip of an off-duty NYPD police sergeant who tried to intervene in the attack in May 2025, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing challenges of public safety and the risks faced by both civilians and law enforcement when responding to violent incidents. It also raises questions about mental health resources and support for individuals who may pose a threat to their communities.

The details

According to the charges, Feliz Enrique approached the 9-year-old girl near 67th Place and Central Avenue in Queens and struck her in the face and kicked her to the ground. Off-duty NYPD Sergeant Sebastian Hajder and several Good Samaritans tried to intervene, and Enrique bit Hajder on the knee, hand and finger, taking off the tip of the cop's right index finger. The girl was taken to a local hospital for treatment of bruises, a bleeding lip, and loose teeth.

  • The incident occurred on May 10, 2025.
  • Enrique pleaded guilty to the charges on February 2, 2026.
  • Enrique was sentenced to 17 years in prison on March 12, 2026.

The players

Feliz Enrique

A 31-year-old Glendale man who pleaded guilty to attacking a young girl and biting off the fingertip of an off-duty NYPD police sergeant.

Melinda Katz

The Queens District Attorney who announced the sentencing of Feliz Enrique.

Sebastian Hajder

An off-duty NYPD police sergeant who tried to intervene in the attack and had his fingertip bitten off by Enrique.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold individuals accountable for violent acts that put our community at risk.”

— Melinda Katz, Queens District Attorney (qgazette.com)

What’s next

The judge will determine if Enrique will be eligible for parole after serving at least 85% of his 17-year sentence.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for improved mental health resources and support services to prevent such violent outbursts, as well as the risks that law enforcement and Good Samaritans face when intervening in dangerous situations to protect the public.