Complaint #202101092,
February 11, 2020

Officer: Mejia, Cesar
Complainant: Hispanic Male, 25-29
Allegation: Force: Physical force
CCRB Conclusion: Miscellaneous - Subject Resigned
Officer: Mejia, Cesar
Complainant: Male, 30-34
Allegation: Discourtesy: Word
CCRB Conclusion: Miscellaneous - Subject Resigned
Officer: Mejia, Cesar
Complainant: Hispanic Male, 25-29
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Forcible Removal to Hospital
CCRB Conclusion: Miscellaneous - Subject Resigned
Officer: Mejia, Cesar
Complainant: Hispanic Male, 25-29
Allegation: Force: Restricted Breathing
CCRB Conclusion: Miscellaneous - Subject Resigned
Officer: Perezponce, Gabriel
Complainant: Hispanic Male, 25-29
Allegation: Abuse of Authority: Forcible Removal to Hospital
CCRB Conclusion: Exonerated
Officer: Perezponce, Gabriel
Complainant: Hispanic Male, 25-29
Allegation: Force: Restricted Breathing
CCRB Conclusion: Substantiated (Charges)
Officer Complainant Allegation CCRB Conclusion
Mejia, Cesar Hispanic Male, 25-29 Force: Physical force Miscellaneous - Subject Resigned
Mejia, Cesar Male, 30-34 Discourtesy: Word Miscellaneous - Subject Resigned
Mejia, Cesar Hispanic Male, 25-29 Abuse of Authority: Forcible Removal to Hospital Miscellaneous - Subject Resigned
Mejia, Cesar Hispanic Male, 25-29 Force: Restricted Breathing Miscellaneous - Subject Resigned
Perezponce, Gabriel Hispanic Male, 25-29 Abuse of Authority: Forcible Removal to Hospital Exonerated
Perezponce, Gabriel Hispanic Male, 25-29 Force: Restricted Breathing Substantiated (Charges)

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.
'Substantiated': The misconduct occurred and it violated the rules. The NYPD has discretion over what, if any, discipline is imposed.

Further details on conclusions.


Penalty

Perezponce, Gabriel
Closed: Guilty after trial-PC Approved, October 2, 2025
APU Guilty
Forfeit vacation 30 days

Summary

On February 11, 2020, at approximately 6:45 p.m., while on Division Street in Manhattan, Police Officer Cesar Mejia and Police Officer Gabriel Perez-Ponce, of the 7th Precinct, were approached by a civilian who told them that [redacted] was down the street on Division swinging a long stick and that she feared for her safety. Upon the officers' approach of [redacted] he attempted to flee, and PO Mejia chased [redacted] and took him to the ground in front of 134 Division Street (Allegation A: Force - Miscellaneous, [redacted] PO Mejia and PO Perez then called for an ambulance to the location so [redacted] may be removed to a hospital for evaluation (Allegation B: Abuse of Authority - Miscellaneous, [redacted] (Allegation C: Abuse of Authority - [redacted]).
As PO Mejia and PO Ponce waited for the ambulance, [redacted] was on the ground lying flat on his chest and he stated that he could not breathe (Allegation D: Force - Miscellaneous, [redacted] (Allegation E: Force - [redacted]). Ultimately, the ambulance arrived on scene and [redacted] was placed inside and removed to Bellevue hospital.
While observing the incident in question, [redacted] was arrested. After being taken to the 7th Precinct stationhouse and placed in a holding cell, PO Mejia allegedly approached [redacted] and said, Oh, you were trying to be a man, huh? Now look, you're in a fucking cell" (Allegation F: Discourtesy - Miscellaneous, [redacted]). Read report for details.


Details

Incident: February 11, 2020
Received: February 18, 2021
Closed: February 28, 2022
Last Updated: October 4, 2025

Reason for contact: C/V intervened on behalf of/observed encounter w/3rd party
Location: Street/highway
In NYPD 7th Precinct Manhattan
Outcome: Summons - disorderly conduct

Witness Officers: Sean Robinson
Body-Worn Camera evidence collected