Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Blue Apron Co-Founder Accuses Cops Of Banging His Head Against Wall During False Arrest
By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Apr 12, 2017
Modified Apr 12, 2017
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
Jake Offenhartz
Published Apr 12, 2017
Modified Apr 12, 2017
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
Matthew Wadiak, the co-founder of foodtech startup Blue Apron, is suing the city for unspecified damages after he was allegedly manhandled and falsely arrested by NYPD officers in 2014. The lawsuit, filed last Friday before a deadline expired, accuses the cops of harassing Wadiak outside his Lower East Side home, then "physically battering [the] plaintiff by banging his head into a wall and police vehicle."
Wadiak was subsequently arrested, the Daily News reports, but the charges remain sealed.
The incident took place in April of 2014, when Wadiak was returning to his home on Chrystie Street, where he also owns a pilates studio. According to Wadiak's attorney, he came across police officers outside the studio who appeared to be investigating a robbery. When he inquired about the potential break-in, the officers replied in a "vulgar, combative and unprofessional" tone, the suit charges. Wadiak then asked for the officers' badge numbers, which they refused to provide, the suit alleges.
In response, the officers "used offensive, menacing and threatening physical gestures," according to the lawsuit. Wadiak alleges that the officers then became violent, banging his head against a wall and their cop car, and "otherwise using excessive force in falsely arresting and incarcerating plaintiff."
“They said, ‘That’s it, tough guy, we’re going to arrest you,’ ” his lawyer, Jeffrey Padilla, told the NY Post.
Wadiak's attorney told the News he believes his client was taken in on charges of resisting arrest, though he couldn't say for sure. A representative for the NYPD said they could not discuss ongoing litigation, and referred the question to the Law Department. The Law Department said that the "complaint will be reviewed," but would not comment further.
Blue Apron, a foodtech startup founded by Wadiak in 2012, is said to be eyeing an IPO, and is reportedly on track to surpass $1 billion in yearly revenue. A spokesman for the company said in a statement: "We are aware of the lawsuit that Matthew Wadiak filed against certain officers of the NYPD based on an incident that occurred in April 2014. Blue Apron is not a party to the litigation and has no comment on the matter.”
Tagged
blue apron
Matthew Wadiak
nypd
Jake Offenhartz
Jake Offenhartz is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Early Addition: NYC comptroller backs off investing city pension funds in Israel bonds
Because Mark Levine pledged to make the investment during his campaign, here are your early links: A mini T-Rex skeleton on display at Sotheby's, New Yorkers love a fancy bird, excellent chalupas in Corona and more.
By
James Ramsay
Published Oct 15, 2026 at 8:34 a.m. ET
NYPD investigating after 5-year-old Queens girl found dead
Police responded to a call from her mother after an assault.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
News
NYPD investigating after 5-year-old Queens girl found dead
Police responded to a call from her mother after an assault.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Hochul, Blakeman offer opposing visions for jobs to stem New York exodus
By
Jimmy Vielkind
Hannah-Jones, NYC schools chancellor set to speak at high-stakes integration town hall
By
Jessica Gould
Queens man found dead, police say, and injured woman is his mother, neighbors say
By
Charles Lane
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 .