In yet another tragic case of the system failing both law enforcement and everyday New Yorkers, a career criminal who was previously charged with assaulting a female NYPD officer is back behind bars after allegedly attacking an innocent woman in Times Square. The attacker, Ernst Delma, 41, has a long rap sheet riddled with burglary and assault charges, yet was shockingly released on lowered bail just months ago — only to violently strike again.
Last August, Delma made headlines after he viciously punched a uniformed NYPD officer in the Bronx. The officer was simply trying to break up a dispute between Delma and a group of teenagers when Delma blindsided her with a brutal punch, leaving her bloodied and dazed. The officer’s partner had to physically subdue Delma as he continued to resist arrest. Delma was appropriately charged with first-degree aggravated assault on a police officer, among other serious charges.
Despite the gravity of the attack and Delma’s clear history of violent behavior, Bronx prosecutors’ recommendation to keep Delma securely behind bars was undermined. Initially, Judge Eugene Bowen set bail conditions that required Delma to come up with $20,000 to secure his release. However, just weeks later, Judge Brenda Rivera inexplicably reduced his bail even further to a mere $10,000 cash or an $80,000 bond, allowing Delma to walk free after reportedly coming up with only $8,000.
It didn’t take long for Delma to demonstrate exactly why violent offenders — especially those who target police officers — should never be given the benefit of the doubt. On Saturday, Delma was arrested once again, this time after allegedly approaching a woman in her 50s in Times Square and sucker-punching her in the face without provocation.
“This guy hit the nicest person in the city,” the victim’s sister told reporters.
NYPD officers and police advocates are rightfully outraged. Patrick Hendry, president of the NYPD Police Benevolent Association, issued a stern statement condemning Delma’s release and the broken system that allowed it:
“Nobody should be surprised that a dangerous repeat offender who attacked a police officer in full uniform would turn around and attack a defenseless New Yorker. The only mystery here is why he was allowed back on the streets. This case is just more proof that those who assault police officers need to be kept behind bars.”
Unfortunately, Delma’s record of violence is nothing new. He was already on parole from a New Jersey case at the time of his attack on the NYPD officer. Additionally, Delma was charged just last year for randomly punching another woman in Midtown Manhattan. Yet, time and time again, he has been given leniency by the court system, only to leave more victims in his wake.
After his latest Times Square arrest, Delma is now being held without bail at Rikers Island. He was due to appear in court last Friday regarding the assault on the NYPD officer.
While the New York State Office of Court Administration claims judges are following the law and exercising discretion, many are questioning how that “discretion” repeatedly favors known violent offenders over public safety and officer protection. Their standard response, which points to “risk of flight” assessments, conveniently overlooks the glaring risk of public harm posed by individuals like Delma.
This case underscores the urgent need for common-sense judicial reform. It’s unacceptable that violent criminals who assault police officers — individuals who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities — are given second chances that result in more innocent people getting hurt. When criminals attack law enforcement, it’s an attack on public order itself. Releasing them sends a dangerous message: assault a cop, and you might just walk free.
The NYPD continues to stand strong in the face of these challenges, but they need support not only from the public but from the justice system itself. Enough is enough. Dangerous repeat offenders should not be allowed to roam freely at the expense of both police officers’ safety and the safety of the public they serve.
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