Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Cops Beat Up Bronx Teen Who Noted Scent Of Dog Poop In Their Presence
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Sep 16, 2014
Modified Sep 16, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Sep 16, 2014
Modified Sep 16, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Strolling through the Bronx late one night in 2011, 17-year-old Tyre Davis remarked to his friend that the immediate vicinity smelled like dog feces. A moment later, Officer Joseph Murphy and Office Jose Ocasio arrested him for disorderly conduct. When Davis was released, the officers took him to an alley and pummeled him in the face and body. Davis later told the Daily News, "I thought I was going to die." Yesterday, a judge convicted both police officers of misdemeanor assault.
The Times reports that Judge Julio Rodriguez III weighed evidence that included surveillance footage of the two officers "punching and kicking the teenager."
Ocasio, 31, and Murphy, 29, were also convicted of harassment, which is a violation.
As for their punishment, Bronx DA Robert Johnson said he will ask for parole. Because Murphy and Ocasio weren't convicted of felonies, they may be able to keep their jobs. An NYPD spokesman told the Times their fate was uncertain.
Davis has since sued the City and the department for damages.
In other NYPD news, the department will lose its second-in-command next month. First Deputy Commissioner Rafael Pineiro was reportedly "forced out" by Commissioner Bill Bratton. Pineiro had been considered a long shot to replace Ray Kelly, and flew down to Puerto Rico to state his case to mayor-elect de Blasio. Pineiro, 65, was a 44-year veteran and the highest ranking Hispanic member of the department. The chairman of the National Latino Officers Association called the decision "a betrayal to the Hispanic community."
Tagged
bronx
nypd
police brutality
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
The NYPD is confiscating e-bikes along a clogged East Village street
The action follows complaints from merchants and neighbors about blocked sidewalks and curbs.
By
Willow Higgins
Published Oct 29, 2026 at 6:08 p.m. ET
New Yorkers enrolled in SNAP will get more money for fresh produce next year
Residents enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will receive 40% more through the Health Bucks program.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
New Yorkers enrolled in SNAP will get more money for fresh produce next year
Residents enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will receive 40% more through the Health Bucks program.
By
Giulia Heyward
'You can't even look out the window': Asbestos dust coats Brooklyn NYCHA building walls
By
Catalina Gonella
Trash containers take over Brooklyn parking spaces as NYC gets garbage bags off sidewalks
By
Liam Quigley
Mamdani says he's 'confident' NYC will collect $500 million with pied-à-terre tax
By
Elizabeth Kim
and
David Brand
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .