Complaint #200712538,
August 23, 2007

Officer: Unknown Officer
Complainant: Black Male, 25-29
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Property damaged
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Officer: Unknown Officer
Complainant: Black Male, 25-29
Allegation: Force: Pepper spray
CCRB Conclusion: Unfounded
Officer: Unknown Officer
Complainant: Black Male, 25-29
Allegation: Force: Chokehold
CCRB Conclusion: Unfounded
Officer: Lupo, Frank
Complainant: Black Male, 28
Allegation: Force: Physical force
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Officer: Lupo, Frank
Complainant: Black Male, 28
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Vehicle search
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Officer: Sepulveda, Manuel
Complainant: Black Male, 28
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Vehicle search
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Officer: Sepulveda, Manuel
Complainant: Black Male, 28
Allegation: Force: Physical force
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Officer Complainant Allegation CCRB Conclusion
Unknown Officer Black Male, 25-29 Abuse of Authority: Property damaged Exonerated
Unknown Officer Black Male, 25-29 Force: Pepper spray Unfounded
Unknown Officer Black Male, 25-29 Force: Chokehold Unfounded
Lupo, Frank Black Male, 28 Force: Physical force Exonerated
Lupo, Frank Black Male, 28 Abuse of Authority: Vehicle search Exonerated
Sepulveda, Manuel Black Male, 28 Abuse of Authority: Vehicle search Exonerated
Sepulveda, Manuel Black Male, 28 Force: Physical force Exonerated

Conclusion Meanings:

'Exonerated': or 'Within NYPD Guidelines' - The conduct occurred but did not violate the NYPD's own rules, which often give officers significant discretion.
'Unfounded': Evidence suggests that the event or alleged conduct did not occur.

Further details on conclusions.


Summary

On August 23, 2007, at approximately 1:15 a.m., [redacted] and [redacted] were pulled over by PO Manuel Sepulveda, PO Frank Lupo, and PO Michael Christiano and found to be in possession of narcotics and scalpels. An officer allegedly strip-searched [redacted] on the scene and pushed him against the vehicle. Another officer allegedly searched [redacted] s vehicle (allegations A and B). An officer allegedly grabbed [redacted] by the neck and started choking him (allegation C). PO Lupo and PO Sepulveda then punched [redacted] several times (allegations D and E) before he was allegedly pepper-sprayed (allegation F). [redacted] alleged that as he was being placed in a patrol car, an officer ripped his shirt (allegation G) and he was pepper-sprayed again (within allegation F). He also alleged that several items were missing after the incident, including his ID and his shoes. [This allegation was referred to IAB under CCRB case 200800611, IAB log #08-03130.] [redacted] stated that police car #2270 was on the scene along with two unmarked cars. [redacted] sustained swelling and bruises to his face as a result of the incident. [redacted] and another relative came to the 120th Precinct to see [redacted] and they were not allowed to see him, but her cousin saw [redacted] and said that his face was swollen. Read report for details.


Details

Incident: August 23, 2007
Received: August 29, 2007
Closed: October 24, 2008

Reason for contact: Report-possession/sale of narcotics
Location: Street/highway
In NYPD 120th Precinct Staten Island
Outcome: Arrest - other violation/crime

Witness Officers: Michael Brooks, Michael Christiano, Christophe Dagnese, James Pedro, Robert Warshefskie