Complaint #9801593,
March 30, 1998

Summary

On March 30, 1998, [redacted] left his [redacted] home at 3:00 p.m. and walked down 141st street. When he reached the intersection of 141st and Hamilton Place, Mr. [redacted] noticed a police checkpoint. Because he had extra time before his 4:00 p.m. appointment, Mr. [redacted] decided to observe the police activity. Mr. [redacted] regularly participates in monitoring police activity and conduct. There were several other neighborhood residents, primarily elderly, also watching the events. Mr. [redacted] estimates there were about 9 MOS present, with at least one RMP and one police van. Mr. [redacted] took out pen and paper from his briefcase and began noting down information about the cars and drivers that the officers chose to stop. At 3:40 p.m., Sgt. Calderin approached Mr. [redacted] and said, "Hello sir, What are you doing here?" Mr. [redacted] responded, "I'm watching." Sgt. Calderin said, "You can't watch. Move it out of here. Get moving." Mr. [redacted] who still had his pen and paper out, said, "What do you mean, I can't watch?" Sgt. Calderin moved in front of Mr. [redacted] and repeated his order to move. Mr. [redacted] said, "There's no law saying I can't stand here and watch. And there are two women standing no more than five feet from me doing the exact same thing." Mr. [redacted] then started to walk away to his right-after only two steps, Sgt. Calderin moved around and stood in front of him again. They were chest to chest at this point. Sgt. Calderin said, "I told you to get out of here." Mr. [redacted] said, "I'm going to 125th street so I'll go this way." Mr. [redacted] turned so that he could go diagonally across the street in the direction of 142nd st. Sgt. Calderin jumped in front of Mr. [redacted] and bumped the left side of Mr. [redacted] body with his shoulder and chest. (Allegation A) Mr. [redacted] said, "excuse me, I'm trying to go this way." Mr. [redacted] tried to move around him but Sgt. Calderin blocked him with his elbow/shoulder and then yelled out, "He assaulted a police officer."... Read report for details.