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.
'Unable to Determine': The alleged conduct was investigated but could not determine both that the conduct occurred and that it broke the rules.
'Unfounded': Evidence suggests that the event or alleged conduct did not occur.
'Unsubstantiated': or 'Unable to Determine' - The alleged conduct was investigated but could not determine both that the conduct occurred and that it broke the rules.
'Within NYPD Guidelines': The conduct occurred but did not violate the NYPD's own rules, which often give officers significant discretion.
Further details on conclusions.
Named in 6 known lawsuits, $782,501 total settlements.
Diallo, Fatoumata vs City of Ny, et al.
Case # 157903/2020,
Supreme Court - New York, October 1, 2020, ended March 26, 2026
$400,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On October 12, 2019, police officers John Shapiro and John Does assaulted Fatoumata Diallo near the intersection of Canal St. and Broadway of Manhattan. Diallo was properly at the above location when the officers approached her, grabbed her arm, violently pulled it back and handcuffed her arms. The officers used such force knowingly, intentionally, and willfully. Her arrest and detainment was also unreasonable: the officers possessed no justifiable cause to arrest and detain her. They were also malicious: the officers intentionally submitted erroneous reports to cover up their mistakes. While being detained, Diallo was denied medical care until she was subsequently taken to a hospital to receive medical care. A...
Ashanti, Karl vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 19CV05660,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, May 20, 2019
Complaint
Description: On or about March 8, 2018, at approximately 10:30 a.m. Plaintiff was on his way to work at the New York City Corporation Counsel's office. Defendant NYPD Officer Tirro was putting up emergency tape blocking access on the street to Plaintiff's place of work. Plaintiff explained to Defendant Tirro that he needed to go beyond the blockade to get to work and Defendant Tirro allowed Plaintiff to proceed down the street. Further down, Defendant Shapiro began to yell at Plaintiff despite Plaintiff's explanation and continued to act hostilely toward him. Plaintiff requested Defendant Shapiro's supervisor and Defendant Shapiro in response placed Plaintiff under arrest without probable cause or justification.
Defendant...
Ashanti, Karl vs City of Ny, et al.
Case # 155062/2019,
Supreme Court - New York, May 20, 2019, ended October 31, 2025
$375,000 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On or about March 8, 2018, Plaintiff was walking to work when he encountered PO Luigi Tirro who was putting up emergency tape to block the street access. Plaintiff explained to the officer that his offices were located immediately beyond the blockaded area and requested permission to proceed down the street. The officer granted Plaintiff permission to proceed. While Plaintiff was walking down the street, he was aggressively approached by PO John A. Shapiro and John Does who angrily yield at him that he was not supposed to be on that street. As Plaintiff tried to explain that PO Luigi Tirro gave him permission to proceed, PO placed Plaintiff under arrest. PO Luigi Tirro approached the scene but did not intervene...
Malek, Jeffrey vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 17CV04997,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, July 13, 2017
Complaint
Description: Plaintiff was driving his vehicle in heavy traffic when a FDNY truck was attempting to turn southbound. FDNY truck was not responding to an emergency and did not have its sirens on. An FDNY Officer then started shouting at the plaintiff and exited the firetruck and banged on plaintiff's car window. Police officers eventually arrived at the scene, but only spoke to the FDNY officers. Plaintiff alleges that the officers created an entirely false report. Plaintiff was then ordered out of his vehicle and was placed under arrest. Plaintiff was then charged with assault in the 2nd and 3rd deg, reckless endangerment in the 2nd deg, and obstruction of governmental administration in the 2nd deg. While in custody, plaint...
Drammeh, Dembo vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 16CV05343,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, August 25, 2016, ended April 7, 2017
$7,501 Settlement
Complaint
Description: On April 17, 2013, Defendants Shapiro and Habermehl and 5-6 John Doe defendants drew their weapons at point blank rank at Plaintiff, who was walking to get a bottle of water on Canal Street while visiting his uncle and friends, and shouted "don't fucking move or we'll blow your brains out." Plaintiff froze and put his hands in the air, and Defendants Shapiro and Habermehl placed Plaintiff's hands behind his back and tightly placed handcuffs on him. Defendants told Plaintiff to "shut the fuck up" when Plaintiff asked what he was doing wrong. Defendants Shapiro and Habermehl grabbed Plaintiff by the handcuffs and dragged him towards a police car as Plaintiff's uncle and friends watched in bewilderment at the ent...
Ameruso, Marc vs City of New York, et al.
Case # 15CV03381,
U.S. District Court - Southern District NY, June 1, 2015
Complaint
Description: Plaintiff was videotaping a super bowl party when he saw officers assaulting a civilian. When Plaintiff attempted to videotape the assault he was shoved to the ground by an officer. When Plaintiff complained to a supervisor and asked Officer Johnson for his name and shield, defendant officers assaulted, searched, and arrested Plaintiff. He was taken to the 1st Precinct and charged with 3 counts of dis con. 2 counts were dismissed for facial insufficiency and the other was dismissed for failure to prosecute.
