The NYPD’s top cop and a high-ranking department official got into a heated argument in front of crowds watching the New York City marathon Sunday and had to be physically pulled apart, law enforcement sources said.
Interim Police Commissioner Tom Donlon and Chief of Staff Tarik Sheppard had to be separated by the NYPD’s Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey after a dispute broke out during a photo-op with runners Sunday, sources said.
Donlon had been taking a photo with the NYPD’s running club, when Sheppard reportedly attempted to join in — only for Donlon to try to butt him out, possibly nudging him in the arm, according to the sources.
A verbal fight then broke out between the two — with the subject of officer deployments reportedly being brought up — before Maddrey had to step in and quell the situation by pulling Sheppard away, according to sources.
The incident seemed to encapsulate the chaos the NYPD’s upper ranks have been cast into in recent months as a federal investigation has ensnared numerous officials.
Donlon was appointed Interim Commissioner by Mayor Eric Adams in September after his predecessor, Commissioner Edward Caban, resigned when his phone was seized by federal investigators during a sweeping corruption probe.
Several other top cops, along with multiple Adams aides, are also targets of the investigation.
An NYPD outsider with a background with the FBI and state Office of Homeland Security previously told The Post that Donlon’s appointment was intended to regain the public’s trust.
But within a month, drama was stoked again among the NYPD ranks after Sheppard seemed to jump the ranks from Deputy Commissioner of Public Affairs to Chief of Staff.
No announcement was made about his promotion and frustrated NYPD officials only learned about it on social media, according to sources.
The NYPD characterized the marathon fight as a moment of passion between two officials dedicated to serving the city.
“This morning, in the midst of preparations for the marathon, there was a brief disagreement between two NYPD executives that was witnessed by members of the public. The matter was promptly discussed and resolved,” an NYPD spokesperson said in a statement.
“The leaders of the NYPD are passionate about their work, and it is that commitment and drive that helps us keep New Yorkers safe every day. We are incredibly proud of the work that every member of the Department is doing to ensure that an extraordinary marathon goes smoothly and safely for the runners and spectators.”
