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Video: Officers scrutinized for Bronx arrest

Michael Warren says surveillance video contradicts the version of the story told in official police records

By Police1 Staff

NEW YORK — The attorney for a man arrested in the Bronx wants the DA to charge the officers involved with assault and filing a false report.

Michael Warren says surveillance video contradicts the version of the story told in official police records, which state Jateik Reed, 19, appeared to carry drugs when he was stopped in January, according to NY1.

According to a criminal complaint, an officer “observed the defendant to have on his person, in his hand, one (1) clear plastic bag containing a white, rock-like substance, which he threw to the ground. In his hand, two (2) clear plastic bags, each containing a dried green leafy substance with a distinctive odor, in public view.”

Police said Reed used a closed fist to strike an officer in the nose, and that stitches were required to close a facial injury. The video does not show a punch, but Reed was charged with robbery, possession, and assault on a police officer — all of which were later dropped by the DA.

Retired New York City Police Department captain John Eterno says it appears Reed shouldn’t have been stopped.

“The officers would have to only go in their pockets if they had reasonable suspicion, if there was a weapon in there. And given what I’ve seen on the film I’m not sure they had that reasonable suspicion,” Eterno said.

The officers involved remain on modified duty as the NYPD conducts an investigation.