Avila, Panton vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 14CV01108,
U.S. District Court - Eastern District NY, February 21, 2014, ended September 22, 2014
$15,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On or about December 19, 2013, Plaintiff was on his phone in the lobby of his mother’s building when police officers, including Michael Alba and Christopher Gazza, shouted epithets at him and aggressively demanded that he open the exterior lobby door so that they could enter the building. Plaintiff was fearful of the PO’s aggressive demeanor and backed away from the door as he continued to speak on his phone. The POs then forced their way through the lobby door and threw Plaintiff against a wall and slammed him to the floor, without justification. Plaintiff was arrested without any basis. The officers kneed Plaintiff in the testicles, cut his hand, and injured his spine, wrist, and shoulder. Plaintiff was charg...