Complaint #202003654,
May 21, 2020

Summary

On May 21st, 2020, at about 10:00 p.m., [redacted] and a friend – who has not been identified -- were walking along the sidewalk in front of [redacted] in the Bronx, in which building [redacted] and [redacted] s brother, [redacted] reside. Sergeant Joseph Signorile and Police Officers Bory Echanique, Dennis Vargas, and John Echevarria of Patrol Borough Bronx anti-crime, who were travelling in an unmarked RMP, pulled alongside [redacted]. It is settled that PO Vargas spoke to [redacted] but what he said is in dispute. When, seconds later, PO Vargas began to exit the RMP, [redacted] ran into [redacted]. PO Vargas, PO Echanique, and PO Echevarria all pursued [redacted] into the building [Allegations A and B: Abuse of Authority – Stop, [redacted]] and then up to the fourth floor. [redacted] entered his apartment, [redacted] and locked the door behind him. Officers in the hallway outside repeatedly ordered him to come out of the apartment, and PO Echevarria tried unsuccessfully to kick the door open. Approximately three minutes later, [redacted] opened the door and stepped into the hallway. Then [redacted] exited, with a small knife in each of his hands. [redacted] who was holding a chef's knife, stayed within the apartment. PO Vargas and PO Podlovits pointed their firearms at the three men [Allegations C - H: Force – Gun Pointed, [redacted]]. Police Officer Austin Hieronymi of Patrol Borough Bronx anti-crime drew, but did not point, his firearm [Allegation I: Abuse of Authority – Gun Drawn, [redacted]]. Police Officer Vargas yelled at [redacted] and [redacted] to "get the fuck out" [Allegations J -L: Discourtesy – Word, [redacted]]. The men complied with PO Vargas and other officers' orders to exit the apartment. Police Officer Echevarria allegedly then frisked [redacted] [Allegation M: Abuse of Authority – Frisk, [redacted]]. Police Officer Hieronymi allegedly struck [redacted] in his leg after bringing him to the ground [Allegation N: Force – Physical Force, [redacted]]. Police Officer Richard Podlovits frisked... Read report for details.