Complaint #201900375,
January 12, 2019

Summary

On January 12, 2019, at approximately 3:45 p.m., [redacted] was driving a black Mercedes-Benz SUV registered to his girlfriend [redacted] in the vicinity of [redacted] in Queens. Three other individuals were in the vehicle with him: [redacted] and two individuals known only as [redacted] and [redacted]. As [redacted] was driving, he observed a marked police vehicle following him. At Boulevard and Farmer Boulevard in Queens, when he pulled into the parking lot, the police vehicle stopped [redacted] using lights and sirens.
Two police officers, PO Christopher Catapano and PO David Fitchik, both assigned to the 113th Precinct, approached [redacted] vehicle. PO Catapano spoke with [redacted] and after obtaining registration information and identification from [redacted] both officers returned to their vehicle. [redacted] did not have a driver's license or a learner's permit with his photograph on it. After approximately ten minutes, another marked police arrived, and two officers exited, PO John Silvestro and PO John Robert, both assigned to the 113th Precinct, exited the vehicle. They spoke to one of the officers on scene, then all four officers approached the vehicle.
PO Catapano asked [redacted] when he had last smoked marijuana in the vehicle. [redacted] responded he never smoked marijuana in the vehicle, and never allowed anyone to smoke marijuana in his vehicle. PO Catapano then instructed [redacted] to get out of the car. [redacted] complied. All of the occupants of the vehicle were instructed to get out of the vehicle by PO Catapano and PO Fitchik. PO Catapano frisked and allegedly searched [redacted] patting down his body, allegedly placed his hands into his front hoodie pocket and front and rear pockets of his pants, and patted down his pants (Allegations A and B, [redacted]). PO Catapano did not go into [redacted] underwear.
PO Catapano and PO Fitchik frisked and allegedly searched [redacted]. As each person was searched, items found on their persons were allegedly removed and placed on the hood of PO... Read report for details.