Complaint #200301995,
March 5, 2003

Summary

On March 5, 2003, at approximately 3:30 PM, [redacted] was near [redacted] in Brooklyn when a fight broke out among some students. Moments later, he saw PO Nicole Burke of the 79th Precinct pointing at him. While he was not involved in the fight, [redacted] became afraid and ran home, and entered [redacted] a two-dwelling building. PO Burke followed him. She called for assistance, and officers arrived two minutes later. The officers, supervised by Lt. Miraglia, forcibly entered the building, breaking the door. The officers first searched the second floor apartment, and then entered the [redacted]'s first floor apartment. In addition to [redacted] his sister, [redacted] and his mother, [redacted] were home. [redacted] stated that Lt. Miraglia told her to "control [her] fucking dog!" [redacted] and [redacted] indicated that an officer used force against [redacted] when removing him from the closet. However, they disagree regarding which officer did so. It is also alleged that officers used force against [redacted] and that an unidentified officer threatened [redacted] with the use of force. [redacted] alleges that Lt. Miraglia pointed his gun at her and subsequently spoke to her discourteously. The family alleged that PO Burke dragged [redacted] out of the bedroom. Finally, [redacted] alleged that officers searched the apartment. However, no civilians witnessed that incident. Read report for details.