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Suspect accused of attacking police officers in New York City identified as Wells man

NBC New York told NEWS CENTER Maine a relative reportedly alerted law enforcement in Maine about the man allegedly expressing pro-jihadist views in mid-December.

PORTLAND, Maine — The man accused of attacking three police officers, striking two in the head with a machete during a New Year's Eve event in New York City, has been identified.

The Associated Press and an investigative reporter with NBC New York independently confirmed with New York police that the suspect has been identified as Trevor Bickford, 19, of Wells, Maine.

The incident happened shortly after 10 p.m. just outside the high-security zone, where eventgoers are screened for weapons, according to the Associated Press, at Manhattan's 8th Avenue between 51st and 52nd streets.

Two officers were taken to Bellevue Hospital, one with a fractured skull and the other with a head laceration, but both are expected to recover from their injuries. 

Officials said an officer shot Bickford in the shoulder, and he is also expected to recover. 

New York Police Commissioner Keechant Sewall and Mayor Eric Adams provided an update during a news conference early Sunday morning. Adams said one of the injured officers, Paul Cozzolino, had just graduated from police academy on Friday. It was also revealed during the press conference that the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force was involved in the investigation.

Watch as Police Commissioner Sewell & Mayor Adams provide an update on a police involved incident in Manhattan.

Watch as Police Commissioner Sewell & Mayor Adams provide an update on a police involved incident in Manhattan.

Posted by NYPD on Saturday, December 31, 2022

NEWS CENTER Maine went to Bickford's home on Alpine Drive on Sunday where it was confirmed the FBI was investigating. It was unclear whether the FBI had executed a search warrant Sunday. 

Neighbors told NEWS CENTER Maine that Bickford is one of three children, and that his parents divorced about 10 years ago. His father has since died. Neighbors also said Bickford worked this past summer at the Old Marsh Country Club in Wells as a groundskeeper.

Bickford graduated from Wells High School in 2022, where he played football and also wrestled. 

An investigative reporter with NBC New York shared with NEWS CENTER Maine Sunday evening that law enforcement told them Bickford likely traveled to New York City by Amtrak on Dec. 29, days after a relative reportedly alerted law enforcement in Maine about Bickford allegedly expressing pro-jihadist views and talking about wanting to travel to Afghanistan. Bickford was interviewed by law enforcement shortly after the relative alerted them and was in a federal law enforcement database.

NBC New York also shared Bickford made a pro-jihadi statement from his hospital bed since being shot by an officer.

This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available. 

   

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