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Cop Suspended After Video Shows Him Kicking Suspect During Chaotic Arrest
By
John Del Signore
Published Sep 17, 2014
Modified Sep 17, 2014
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By
John Del Signore
Published Sep 17, 2014
Modified Sep 17, 2014
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An NYPD officer has been suspended and stripped of his badge and gun after video surfaced that appears to show him kicking a suspect during a chaotic arrest in Sunset Park on Sunday. The altercation between officers and vendors started after the NYPD tried to end a street fair and disperse the vendors.
A heated verbal dispute devolved into a physical altercation after officers moved to arrest one of the vendors. As police struggle to handcuff a man in a black and white jacket, one officer can be seen kicking him in the side, and then walking away. Here's video:
Post by El Grito De Sunset Park.
Speaking to reporters today, NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton said the street fair was supposed to end at 6 p.m., but police allowed it to continue for an extra hour. When they tried to reopen the street to motorists shortly after 7 p.m., some of the vendors allegedly refused to disperse. The video shows multiple vendors resisting arrest.
"I was very concerned with a video that was taken and the actions of one of our officers who was seen kicking an individual," Bratton said today. "As best I could tell looking at that video it seemed to be totally unprovoked. That officer has been suspended and in terms of suspension in this department that means he's been relieved of his gun, his badge and his police duties."
Police say five arrests were made, with charges including assault, resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration. The Daily News reports that one officer sustained an ankle injury during the "fracas."
Internal Affairs is investigating the incident, and Bratton told reporters today that the local precinct will host a community town hall meeting to discuss the arrests.
Tagged
Bill Bratton
brooklyn
nypd
police brutality
resisting arrest
sunset park
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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