A chilling scene unfolded on a January evening in Manhattan as a black Lexus careened the wrong way down Park Avenue, directly toward an NYPD officer. Sahara Dula, 25, intentionally used her vehicle as a weapon, shattering the quiet of the city and leaving an officer with a fractured leg.
The incident occurred near East 71st Street, where officers were already managing a partial road closure due to a nearby robbery investigation. As an officer approached Dula’s vehicle to redirect her, she instead accelerated, turning a routine traffic stop into a violent assault.
Video evidence paints a stark picture: the officer was struck head-on, thrown onto the hood of the Lexus, and then violently onto the pavement. The impact resulted in a fractured leg, instantly ending his duties for the night and initiating a lengthy recovery.
Immediately following the attack, Dula was taken into custody, but her defiance didn’t end there. Investigators report a disturbing outburst, a clear admission of guilt fueled by animosity. “I told the cop I wanted to go straight, and he wouldn’t move, so I hit him. I did it on purpose,” she reportedly stated.
Her rage continued, punctuated by expletive-laden shouts directed at law enforcement. “F--- these cops! He wouldn’t move!” she allegedly yelled, revealing a deliberate intent to harm. The incident wasn’t simply reckless driving; it was a targeted act of aggression.
Authorities discovered Dula had been driving northbound in the southbound lanes for approximately ten blocks, while under the influence of marijuana. Rolling papers and a marijuana container were found within her car, adding another layer to the complexity of the case.
Dula, a graduate in criminal justice, has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and is currently undergoing mental health treatment. This information emerged as her case progressed, offering a glimpse into the challenges she faces.
Despite pleading guilty to second-degree assault in June, the subsequent sentencing has ignited controversy. Dula received a prison sentence, along with three years of post-release supervision, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from the police union.
The Police Benevolent Association President expressed outrage, arguing the punishment was far too lenient given the severity of the crime. He emphasized the potential for fatal consequences and the need for a stronger deterrent against attacks on law enforcement.
Dula’s attorney maintains her client has accepted responsibility and complied with all court requirements. However, the question of justice remains, with many questioning whether the sentence adequately reflects the deliberate and dangerous nature of her actions.
The Manhattan District Attorney initially condemned the attack as a “dangerous assault” and vowed to treat it with the seriousness it deserved. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers every day.
