Man accused of charging at officers with knife at Brownville subway station arraigned
Police say Derrell Mickles was shot after he charged at them with a knife while attempting to avoid paying subway fare at the Sutter Avenue station on Sunday.
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The man who police say charged at them with a knife before he was shot by officers in a Brownsville subway station appeared before a judge on Friday.
Police say Derrell Mickles was shot after he charged at them with a knife while attempting to avoid paying subway fare at the Sutter Avenue station on Sunday.
Mickles pleaded not guilty in court Friday. His appearance was virtual, from his hospital bed.
Bail was set at $200,000 cash or a $1.5 million bond.
“I still think the bail is exceptionally high. I asked the court to consider supervised release. I believe if they had done so, once he was out of the hospital — obviously, he’s in very serious condition — he would still return to court,” Mickles' attorney said.
Mickles’ lawyer says he is unable to walk and pleaded not guilty to eight charges, including assault, criminal possession of a weapon and attempted assault of an officer. At times, Mickles was seen rolling his eyes as the charges were read.
“At that point, there appears to be a blade in his hand after the defendant leaves the train station,” said the prosecutor.
Four people, including an NYPD officer, were injured by gunfire Sunday afternoon when police say Mickles jumped the fare.
Officers claim Mickles had a knife and refused to drop it when ordered, prompting them to use a taser twice, to no effect.
Police allege Mickles then charged at them with the knife, leading them to open fire.
Prosecutors initially requested a $750,000 cash bail, but the judge ruled that amount excessive.
Mickles’ lawyer noted that Mickles has four prior misdemeanor charges, for which he appeared in court on all but one occasion.
