According to a recent indictment, an NYPD sergeant allegedly punched a man repeatedly in the face while responding to a 911 call about an emotionally disturbed child inside a Manhattan apartment last December. The sergeant reportedly hit the man more than a dozen times.
A police officer named Christian Zapata, aged 36 and hailing from the Bronx, is currently facing a third-degree assault charge. He is accused of hitting a 43-year-old victim for 13 times in less than nine seconds. The victim had apparently requested the police officers to put on face masks on December 7, 2022.
According to an indictment announced by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Christian Zapata is accused of assaulting a victim by repeatedly punching them, despite the fact that the victim did not pose an immediate danger or physical threat.
According to Bragg, Zapata was a member of the NYPD’s 32nd Precinct, which is responsible for serving the northeastern area of Harlem. He was one of the officers who went to the apartment in response to the incident.
According to reports, the victim, whose identity remains unknown, repeatedly requested the officers to put on masks as they entered the premises.
Despite his persistence in seeking a resolution, the individuals in question remained uncooperative. Even after he called 911 and requested to speak with a supervisor, the situation remained unresolved.
According to reports, when the victim attempted to check on the child, Zapata accused him of getting in the way of the medical professionals and threatened to have him arrested by the police.
According to Bragg’s statement, the victim was being guided by another officer towards the apartment hallway. As the victim swatted the officer’s hand away, the officer reacted by restraining him completely, grabbing both his wrists.
The purported attack came to an end when two additional police officers intervened and pulled the perpetrator away.
Zapata was later suspended by the department and, in August, he was demoted from sergeant to police officer.
According to an NYPD spokesperson, Zapata has been suspended without pay. However, no additional comments were made regarding the matter.
According to a statement released by Bragg, the impartial investigation of law enforcement officials who use excessive force will continue. The reason behind this is the necessity of increasing the trust of the public in the criminal justice system, which is crucial for the safety of society.
More News:
- Former NYPD union head Roy T. Richter commits suicide at the age of 56
- Montgomery police chase ends with suspect in custody
