Man Who Bit Off Part Of LAPD Sergeant's Finger Sentenced To Jail Time

HOLLYWOOD, CA — A man accused of biting off part of a police sergeant's finger during an attack at a Metro subway station has been sentenced to over three years in jail.

Ephraim Okorie, 38, on Jan. 27 pled no contest to a charge of assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury on a peace officer in the performance of his duties. He was sentenced to nearly 1,300 days in county jail, one year in a residential mental health and drug rehabilitation program and three years probation, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Los Angeles Police Department officers were on routine patrol on a Metro B (Red) Line train in April 2023 when they spotted Okorie in possession of drug paraphernalia. Officers approached Okorie and escorted him off the train at the Vermont/Santa Monica Station, according to the LAPD.

Okorie "became violent and fought with the officers" after he was taken off the train. He bit off a portion of a finger of an LAPD sergeant during the ensuing struggle, police said.

The sergeant was taken to a hospital for treatment, authorities said.

"I'm deeply disturbed by the vicious and gruesome attack on our sergeant as he and other officers were simply conducting routine patrol of the transit line," then-LAPD chief Michel Moore said in a statement. "We remain committed to our work each day to improve the safety of the entire transit system with dedicated patrol engaging."

Okorie was given credit for time he has already served in jail. He could face up to seven years in state prison if he fails to complete the one-year program or any other probationary term, according to the DA's office.