Brooklyn Postal Worker Handcuffed By Police To Sue For False Arrest
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A Brooklyn postal worker seen on video being arrested by police on his route earlier this year wants to sue the city.
On March 17, Glenn Grays was arrested by plainclothes NYPD officers after their unmarked car made a wide turn and nearly hit the postal worker as he got out of his truck to make a delivery in Crown Heights.
He shouted at the officers, who wound up handcuffing and arresting him for disorderly conduct. The charge was dropped last month.
Grays plans to sue the city for false arrest, false imprisonment, negligent supervision and training, and civil rights violations.
"Their intention was to humiliate him and embarrass him," attorney Kenneth Ramsuer said. "What I'm disturbed about is a lieutenant and three police officers couldn't put brakes on this situation. It was an arrogant abuse of power."
Ramsuer notes the incident occurred on Saint Patrick's Day and he wants to know what was in a cup the lieutenant was seen on video holding during the incident.
"I'm somewhat curious that this lieutenant had a cup in his hand, I can't say what was in the cup," Ramsuer said.
The attorney added it is up to Internal Affairs and the Civilian Complaint Review Board to investigate whether the policemen involved had been drinking, but he said they did rear end another vehicle while Grays was in their car.
The City Law Department said it will review the complaint once it is received.
Police Commissioner Bill Bratton has said he was "very concerned" about the performance of the officers.
The officers were disciplined.
The supervising lieutenant was placed on modified assignment. His badge and gun were taken and he was assigned to desk duty. The three officers with the lieutenant at the time remain on full duty but are out of plainclothes and back to uniform patrol.
