Complaint #201907639,
August 26, 2019

Summary

On August 26, 2019 at approximately 10:48 a.m., Lt. Yoel Hidalgo, PO Stephanie Alba, Det. Fred Washington, and PO Matthew Velger of the 42nd Precinct went to [redacted] in the Bronx with a Buildings Department representative to inspect a building that had fire damage earlier in the year. While telling this to [redacted] Det. Washington allegedly shook his mace as if he were about to use it (Allegation A: Abuse of Authority, [redacted]). During this inspection, Lt. Hidalgo and PO Alba entered various units throughout the building (Allegations B and C: Abuse of Authority, [redacted]). After determining that the building was unsafe for people to live, Lt. Hidalgo informed [redacted] that he and anyone else inside could be arrested if they continued to live there (Allegation D: Abuse of Authority, [redacted]).
On August 27, 2019 at approximately 2:45 p.m., Sgt. Alexander Velasquez, PO Joel Bolivar, PO Fitz Edouard, PO Wilson Rodriguez, and PO Mark Mobarek went to the location above because PO Bolivar, PO Edouard, and PO Mobarek saw someone enter [redacted] after the Buildings Department issued a vacate order. [redacted] saw the officers outside the building and told him that he owned the building, to which PO Bolivar allegedly said, "This is your sister's building. Get the fuck out of here" (Allegation E: Discourtesy, [redacted]). PO Edouard, PO Bolivar, and PO Mobarek entered the building (Allegations F, G, and H: Abuse of Authority, [redacted]) and searched different parts of the building (Allegations I, J, and K: Abuse of Authority, [redacted]). PO Rodriguez entered the building through a different entrance (Allegation L: Abuse of Authority, [redacted]). While they were searching, [redacted] said he could hear things breaking inside (Allegation M: Abuse of Authority, [redacted]). Read report for details.