Police car just drove by demonstrators on Classon Ave in Brooklyn — some of whom had been throwing cement — and opened passenger side door into a protester. pic.twitter.com/vd8Lq60TXC
— Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs (@NickAtNews) May 30, 2020
NYPD cop stripped of gun, shield for opening car door on protester
An NYPD police officer was stripped of his gun and shield because he opened a car door on a protester during George Floyd marches in Brooklyn — an episode that the city’s top cop called a “troubling incident,” according to a statement released Tuesday.
“As I’ve pledged to do, I want to share additional information regarding a troubling incident involving a member of the department related to demonstration activity that the NYPD is actively investigating,” Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said in the statement.
“As part of our obligation to provide accountability when officers fail to reflect the high standards we set, the NYPD is taking action regarding an episode in recent days that raises serious concerns,” he said.
The incident happened on May 29 when “the door of an unmarked NYPD vehicle was opened on a street in Brooklyn, striking a protestor,” the statement said.
No further details were immediately provided on exactly where the incident took place or how it unfolded.
Video shared to social media shows the incident.
“IAB has concluded its investigation and the officer is currently on modified duty,” he said. “This case has been referred to the Department Advocate for disciplinary action.”
Cops on modified duty are typically stripped of their guns and shields and reassigned.
Shea said the investigation was still underway but vowed transparency because of the “seriousness of what we’ve seen in recent days.”