“I Couldn’t Believe It”: Retired NYPD Detective Describes Punch During Birthday Celebration
A retired NYPD detective, Daniel Sprague, says a night out for his birthday turned into a confrontation when a woman allegedly grabbed his hat, spun him around, and punched him in the face after noticing his red “Make Fifty Great Again” hat.
Sprague said the hat was a birthday gift from his wife, and he wore it with a shirt featuring an American flag and the words “Making America Great Since 1970.”
Key Details at a Glance
- Who: Daniel Sprague, retired NYPD detective
- What: Alleged assault involving hat-grabbing and a punch to the face
- Where: The Stage on Broadway (Nashville)
- Why (claimed): The woman reportedly reacted to Sprague’s red “Make Fifty Great Again” hat
- Afterward: Sprague later filed a report with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
What Sprague Says Happened
Sprague described being outside with friends when he was suddenly grabbed from behind.
- He said someone “grabbed me from behind, spun me around, and punched me in the face.”
- He added that at first he thought it was a friend, until he realized he had been hit.
- Sprague said he was surprised anyone could become that upset over what he was wearing.
What the Report Allegedly States
Sprague later filed a report with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. The report description stated that the suspect grabbed his hat and punched him in the face, and that Sprague said he did not hit her back.
What Happened at the Venue
Sprague said that after the incident, both he and the woman were removed from the premises, and he did not get the opportunity to call police immediately at the scene.
Reactions Earlier in the Night
Sprague said he noticed mixed reactions before the confrontation, including:
- Thumbs up and smiles from some people
- Anger or frustration from others
- He claimed the mood sometimes changed when people got close enough to read what the hat said, after which some still wished him a happy birthday
Sprague’s Message About Politics and Respect
Sprague framed the incident as an example of political tensions going too far. He said:
- “I love Trump,” but would not attack someone for wearing opposing political gear
- He believes everyone is entitled to their opinion
- He said he would still show respect to political figures he does not support
Social Media Update, Then Deletion
After the incident, Sprague posted about what happened on Facebook and included photos showing an apparent injury to his face. He later deleted the post, saying he was waiting to hear back from Nashville detectives.
What Happens Next
If investigators identify a suspect, the next steps could include:
- Reviewing statements from witnesses and involved parties
- Checking for security footage from nearby cameras or the venue area (if available)
- Determining whether the incident meets criteria for assault-related charges under local law
Bottom Line
Sprague says a birthday celebration escalated into violence after someone objected to his hat. He later filed a police report and said he is waiting for follow-up from investigators.
