Complaint #202308317,
August 21, 2023

Summary

On August 21, 2023, at approximately 11:49 PM, officers from the 121st Precinct, including Police Officer Joseph Difrancesca, Police Officer Anis Damak, Police Officer Luis Matos, Police Officer Joseph Dimeo, Police Officer Rehan Usmani, and Police Officer Michael Compton responded to [redacted] in Staten Island stemming from a 911 call regarding an assault. Upon arrival, PO Difrancesca and PO Damak entered [redacted] to arrest [redacted] in his bedroom (Allegations A – B: Abuse of Authority, [redacted]).
When [redacted] did not comply with orders to stand up and give officers his hands, PO Difrancesca, PO Matos, and PO Dimeo attempted to pull [redacted] hands behind his back (Allegations C – E, Force, [redacted]). PO Matos then used PO Usmani's taser on [redacted] (Allegation F: Force, [redacted]). PO Matos then told PO Usmani to "shock him again" (Allegation G: Abuse of Authority, [redacted]). PO Matos then allegedly used a chokehold to pull [redacted] out of his chair (Allegation H: Force, [redacted]). PO Matos then brought [redacted] to the ground (Allegation I: Force, [redacted]). While on the ground, PO Difrancesca punched [redacted] leg (Allegation J: Force, [redacted]). PO Usmani then threatened to use his taser on [redacted] again (Allegation K: Abuse of Authority, [redacted]). PO Matos and PO Usmani allegedly struck [redacted] with their batons (Allegations L – M: Force, [redacted]). When putting him to a standing position, PO Matos fractured [redacted] arm by pulling it (Allegation N: Force, [redacted]). While [redacted] was in handcuffs, PO Difrancesca slapped [redacted] leg (Allegation O: Force, [redacted]).
As officers and EMTs brought [redacted] to an ambulance, PO Usmani and PO Compton re-entered [redacted] to retrieve a taser cartridge (Allegations P – Q: Abuse of Authority, [redacted]). EMTs then transported [redacted] to [redacted] Medical Center for treatment for his injuries. Read report for details.