Watch CBS News

Nassau Cop Claims Racial Discrimination, False Arrest At Hands Of Fellow Officers

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -  A black off-duty Nassau County police officer says she was improperly charged with resisting arrest by two white officers during a confrontation last week.

As WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported, officer Dolores Sharpe claimed Thursday she was the victim of false arrest, racial discrimination and verbal and physical abuse during the Black Friday incident.

Sharpe, who was off-duty on Black Friday, claims when she pulled into the parking lot of a discount store in West Hempstead, she was confronted by an officer who accused her of blocking his view as he was doing an investigation.

Nassau Cop Claims Racial Discrimination, False Arrest At Hands Of Fellow Officers

She said the officer grabbed her and screamed at her.

Sharpe was arrested and charged with resisting arrest and, as a result, has been suspended without pay. She's facing a Jan. 9 court appearance.

"I've worked hard to ensure that people are respected and not abused," Sharpe said.

Her attorney Frederick Brewington said he believes this was a bias incident.

"When she showed her ID, he snatched it. It was snatched out of her hand so much so that it ripped from the chain. He grabbed her by her shoulders, slammed her and pushed her," Brewington said. "She showed her badge and the response: 'I don't care. you are a moron.'"

Sharpe is seeking dismissal of the charges against her and the immediate restoration of her duties and pay.

"I have been wrongfully charged," said the 19-year department veteran, "I come before you as a victim. A Victim of unbridled abuse of authority."

Sharpe said that police followed her and pulled her over for having tinted windows before the alleged incident unfolded.

Sharpe's attorney said that his client was treated in a manner that was unacceptable.

"These officers treated Officer Sharpe in a way that no one, civilian, no less a member of the Nassau Police Department should be treated," Brewington said.

The officers involved in the arrest work out of the 5th Precinct in Elmont, CBS 2's Carolyn Gusoff reported.

The Nassau County executive's office and a police department spokesman declined comment, citing the an ongoing investigation.

The PBA, which represents all three officers, has not yet responded to a request for a comment. Authorities have taken surveillance video to see if the confrontation was caught on tape. The Nassau County Executive told CBS 2 that the allegations were under review by internal affairs.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.