Complaint #200709823,
July 4, 2007

Summary

On July 4, 2007 at 8:30 PM, neighbors were having a large barbecue on the corner of [redacted] and [redacted] in Brooklyn. Sgt. Kenneth Quick and PO Sirka Morales of the 83rd Precinct had previously warned [redacted] the group spokesperson, to lower the music and to stop playing with fireworks. When the officers returned a third time, they decided to issue summonses to [redacted] and [redacted]. However, because [redacted] was agitating the onlookers, Sgt. Quick called for back-up so they could arrest [redacted]. When additional officers arrived, they used pepperspray (Allegation A) and their batons (Allegation B) to effect the arrest of [redacted]. PO Garrett Marsden of the 83rd Precinct allegedly pressed a nightstick against his neck to restrict his breathing (Allegation C). When [redacted]'s mother, [redacted] tried to intervene, PO Morales arrested her. PO Morales then allegedly kicked [redacted] to get her into a patrol car (Allegation D). Officers purportedly pursued an individual who had thrown objects at an officer to [redacted] where [redacted] and [redacted] refused to let them enter. [redacted] alleged that officers kicked and punched him (Allegation E) and that PO Javier Velez from the 83 Precinct stepped on his head as he lay on the ground.(Allegation F). Officers also used force to arrest [redacted] who was standing in the entranceway between the outer and inner entranceway doors and to place him in a patrol car (Allegation G). After [redacted] was placed in the patrol car, an unidentified officer allegedly punched him in his face (Allegation H). Unidentified officers then entered [redacted] and searched the basement (Allegation I). Police officers also used physical force against [redacted] and [redacted] (Allegation J), who were onlookers. At the stationhouse [redacted] asked PO Morales for medical attention but she never provided any (Allegation K). Read report for details.