Complaint #200717869,
December 1, 2007

Summary

[redacted] was in his bedroom at [redacted] in Brooklyn on December 1, 2007 at 6:00am when he heard banging on his front door. Twelve officers from Narcotics Borough Brooklyn North, under the supervision of Cpt. Michael Lipetri, entered [redacted] residence pursuant to a search warrant (Allegation A). Several officers instructed [redacted] to move back and get on the ground. After he moved back, the officers entered into his residence to secure the premises. Cpt. Lipetri attempted to handcuff [redacted] refused to provide his hands and both men struggled on the ground. Det. Frank Galati assisted Cpt. Lipetri, and both officers pulled on [redacted] arms until they successfully applied handcuffs (Allegations B and C). [redacted] further alleged that Det. Galati kicked his arm (Allegation C, cont'd.) and said, "Put your hands behind your fucking back." (Allegation D) After [redacted] was handcuffed, he was moved to the kitchen. When [redacted] complained that his arm hurt, an officer allegedly told him, "I don't give a fuck." (Allegation E). [redacted] informed the officers that he was having trouble breathing due to asthma. Officers requested an ambulance which responded in several minutes. Det. Matthew Savage and Det. Robert Livingston accompanied [redacted] to the hospital. The remaining officers stayed and searched [redacted]. During the course of the search, officers allegedly used a sledgehammer to open a safe belonging to [redacted] and damaged other items that were thrown about, including picture frames (Allegation F). [redacted], his wife, [redacted] as well as his daughter, [redacted] were placed under arrest and transported to the 81st Precinct stationhouse, where Sgt. Daniel Sbarra directed PO Tanisha Phillips to strip search both of them (Allegation G). [redacted] Read report for details.