NYPD Officer Suspended After Video Shows Him Kicking Street Vendor

By Jamilah King Sep 18, 2014

NYPD Police Commissioner Bill Bratton announced that an unnamed officer has been suspended and stripped of his badge after being caught on video kicking a street vendor who was in police custody.

The scene unfolded after a street fair in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, last Sunday when several vendors reportedly failed to leave the area. The vendors can be seen on the video resisting arrest before one, Jonathan Daza, 22, is ultimately tackled to the ground and kicked by the officer. The police department has not released the officer’s name.

"I was very concerned with a video that was taken and the actions of one of our officers who was seen kicking an individual," Bratton said Wednesday. "As best I could tell looking at that video it seemed to be totally unprovoked. That officer has been suspended and in terms of suspension in this department that means he’s been relieved of his gun, his badge and his police duties."

Five people were arrested during the melee. Internal Affairs is investigating the incident. 

(h/t Gothamist)