A WOMAN caught on camera wearing a coronavirus mask and allegedly sucker-punching a cop should be freed as an "essential worker," her lawyers say.

The attorneys defending Brandee Isom, 25, argue she should be released without bail because she delivers medicine to sick people – even though she allegedly attacked an NYPD officer.



The New York Post reports that Isom is accused of lashing out when a suspected thief was being in the Bronx.

“She’s an essential worker. She’s never gotten in trouble,” Isom's attorney, Iliana Santiago said, before claiming the cop hit her client first.

The video which first emerged on social media shows the cop hitting Isom in the face in University Heights – but reports say she allegedly slugged him before the footage started rolling.

Nelson Jimenez, 31, could also be seen on video allegedly punching another police officer in the vicinity of 183rd Street and Davidson Avenue.

Footage shows Jimenez fleeing the scene as one cop tries to get Isom away from Yoemdy Castro, 27,  who is being cuffed over a suspected robbery.

Video shows Jimenez running off, and witnesses can be heard cheering him on as he sprinted away.

He was later arrested at a bodega.



This is when fists start flying between the 25-year-old and the cop as they start violently shoving one another, video shows.

The cop then issued a right hook to Isom’s face – but Prosecutor Alessandra Ambrosi says Isom hit the officer in the face too.

On Thursday, Ambrosi told the court: “Ms. Isom puts her hands on the officer … she attempts to swing at him and misses.

“She attempts to swing at him again and makes a connection with his right jaw.”

But the judge didn't believe the defense's "essential worker" argument and noted “when someone goes to interfere with a police officer, that to me makes them a flight risk."

“I would think someone in this kind of position would know better than try to get involved with officers trying to make an arrest," the judge said.

Isom was charged with assault and obstructing governmental administration, sources told The Post.

She was ordered to be held on $5,000 bail despite her lawyer's pleas.


The 52 Precinct responded to the violent interaction on social media, blasting Jimenez's behavior.

"The officer who was assaulted, pursued and apprehended the perpetrator, cowardly hiding inside a bodega," they tweeted April 7.

"He is now in our cells. BX DA has been provided this video as well as our body worn cameras to assist in prosecution."

The footage of the fisticuffs was shared on Twitter by Chief Terence Monahan, the Chief of Department for the NYPD.

"Proud of the @NYPD52Pct cop and his fellow Finest for chasing and arresting this cowardly individual for assault on an officer," Monahan wrote.

"We’ll be working closely with [the Bronx DA Clark] to ensure he’s fully prosecuted.

"Think again if you believe you can get away with this behavior in NYC."

The Sergeants Benevolent Association also posted the video, writing that "NYC people are dying, and suffering as COVID-19 plagues thousands but the same scumbags continue to roam the streets of NYC and attack NYPD cops."

"Sadly the wrong people are suffering. Welcome to DeBlasios NYC," the SBA wrote.

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