Montgomery County police officer attacked while buying food at Chipotle in Rockville

 

Nyziere London

A Montgomery County police officer was sucker-punched by an assailant while standing in line to buy food at the Chipotle at 14925 Shady Grove Road in Rockville on Thursday night around 6:48 PM. Nyziere London, 21, of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, allegedly approached the officer and suddenly punched him twice in the face. Another County police officer paying at the counter rushed over to assist the victimized officer in taking London into custody.

London has been charged with second-degree assault and resisting arrest. He was transported to the Central Processing Unit and is being held without bond.

Chief Marcus Jones released a statement regarding the unprovoked assault on the officer, who is a 26-year veteran of the force. “Officers work hard every day to ensure that our community stays safe. Police work can often put officers in harm’s way, but I’m saddened that this unprovoked attack occurred while this officer was attempting to simply grab a quick bite to eat during his shift. This is another danger to our profession.”

Police across the country have been under heavy criticism and scrutiny this year, which has led to lower morale - and in some cases attacks on police officers - in numerous jurisdictions nationwide. Here, the Montgomery County Council has consistently painted local law enforcement in a negative light in its public statements and legislation over the last several years.