NYPD Cop Attacked With Hatchet Released From Rehabilitation Center
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- An NYPD officer who was attacked by a man with a hatchet was released from a rehabilitation center Friday.
Rookie cop Kenneth Healey suffered a skull fracture last month in what police called a lone-wolf terrorist act.
As CBS2's Diane Macedo reported, his hometown of Oceanside was decorated in blue ribbons as part of a special community initiative to welcome the officer back.
"It all started on Facebook, I was on Facebook and somebody actually suggested Blue Ribbon Day, which was the ceremony for Officer Healey, to be filmed," Jacqueline Xerri said. "And they wanted it to be documented so they could give it to him like a present."
In anticipation of his homecoming, Xerri estimates roughly 30 people came out on Sunday, despite the cold weather, to hang ribbons and send Healy messages of support.
Five days later, it's hard to find a house in the area without a blue ribbon on it as neighbors wish Healey a speedy recovery.
"A lot of us lost our homes in Hurricane Sandy and the town came together, so now with Officer Healey, we're looking to do the same thing," Holly Xerri said.
Healey was on foot patrol with other officers on Jamaica Avenue in Queens when police said he was attacked by Zale Thompson, who also slashed another officer in the arm.
Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said the incident took all of seven seconds.
"Nothing was said at the time of the assault. The suspect was described as having charged at the officers," Bratton said last month.
Thompson was shot dead by police at the scene.
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