I'm only familiar with the court system in another state but I don't think the police department is the one that would be appointing a public defender are they? Isn't that something that happens after a person is formally charged and arraigned? I think he either hired an attorney before he went to the police department or maybe knows one that is helping him pro bono (or as a friend?), just based totally on what I know about how things work elsewhere. I quoted your post just because it was the most recent discussing the incident at the police station and, as always, this is just my opinion.
Chief Longo said he walked into the station- while there he asked for an Atty and one came... didn't mention whether it was Public defender though.