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Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez Said Police Assaulted Him During Zuccotti Park Eviction

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- City councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, who was arrested during the Zuccotti Park eviction, said he was detained for more than 17 hours and denied access to his lawyer until just before his release.

PHOTOS: Zuccotti Park Raid

Rodriguez said he went to the park early Tuesday morning as it was being cleared out by police to act as a legal observer.

He claims he was assaulted by police officers a block from the park.

1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck with Ydanis Rodriguez

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"A group of police officers, they took their batons and start pushing me back," Rodriguez said. "Suddenly, a police officer jumped from the middle of the street, threw his body into me and started hitting my head in the street."

Rodriguez claims he was left alone in a police van for two hours before he was taken to central booking, where he was denied access to his lawyer for over 12 hours.

Council speaker Christine Quinn is demanding answers from Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.

"Why was he pushed to the ground? Why was he held in a van for two hours when no one else was in that van with him? Why did he ask to see a supervisor and was never granted that right? Those are troubling, troubling questions," Quinn said. "Why was his attorney not given the ability to see him?"

Rodriguez was charged with resisting arrest  and disorderly conduct.

Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne said Rodriguez tried to push past a metal police barricade and resisted being handcuffed.

Rodriguez was released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on Jan. 20.

Rodriguez said he will take part in Thursday's planned "national day of direct action."

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Photo credit: DNAinfo/Shayna Jacobs

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