Serial shoplifter bites three NYPD officers during arrest, Venezuelan crime spree continues

A Venezuelan migrant, identified as Ysmael Qintero, has been ordered held on $50,000 bail after a series of violent encounters with law enforcement.

Qintero, who has accumulated 18 shoplifting arrests since December 2023, allegedly bit three NYPD officers in separate incidents following his arrest for stealing clothes from a Manhattan Target store.

The 36-year-old, who is described as suffering from substance use disorder, faces charges of two counts of assaulting a police officer and petit larceny. Last week’s arrests revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior, with Qintero reportedly sinking his teeth into officers, leaving two wounded.

Qintero’s attorney from the Legal Aid Society, John Foster, argued for his client’s release under supervision, emphasizing the need for treatment for Qintero’s substance abuse issues. “He is essentially a person in crisis,” Foster stated, highlighting Qintero’s homelessness and drug addiction as contributing factors to his repeated offenses.

Despite his lengthy criminal record, Qintero has remained on the streets. His history includes one misdemeanor conviction and five failures to appear in court over the past seven months. Among his numerous offenses, he was arrested on May 16 for allegedly stealing a bottle of cologne from Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street.

Qintero’s case underscores the challenges faced by the legal system in addressing repeat offenders, especially those struggling with homelessness and substance abuse. The court’s decision to impose bail reflects the severity of his actions and the ongoing risk he poses to the community. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on balancing public safety with the need for appropriate treatment for those in crisis.