| The video captured over the weekend on 5th Avenue in Sunset Park is extremely disturbing for any parent. A pregnant woman is seen being thrown down to the ground by an NYPD officer. Another look at the disturbing video in slow motion shows the woman — who is six months pregnant — not only landing on her stomach, but she and her developing child having to absorb the weight of a police officer on top of her as well. |
Authorities say police were attempting to apprehend a man who was possibly in possession of a gravity knife when several family members, which included the pregnant woman, tried to intervene.
Denis Flores is the founder of the El Grito de Sunset Park, an advocacy group that brings attention to what he describes as controversial tactics of the NYPD.
Flores says there is only one resolution in this latest case.
“These cops need to be fired,” Flores told PIX11 News.
The woman, who was issued a summons for disorderly conduct, and her baby are recovering, but there are some complications according to her attorney Sanford Rubenstein said.
“What happened is appalling and should not be happening in New York City,” Rubenstein added. “These videos are pictures of the truth and those who take them are performing a public service.”
Rubenstein also represents the family of Eric Garner, the Staten Island father who died in August after being put into a chokehold by an officer.
Flores says that accountability of the NYPD’S 72nd Precinct needs to happen as a result of this case, as well as the recent stomping of a food vendor at a street fair.
“What we are seeing here is a group of officers that are acting more like criminals instead of people that are here to protect us and serve the interest of the people in this neighborhood,” Flores said.
“Yet again, this is the second time we’ve seen a video like this in this precinct,” Councilman Carlos Menchaca said. “This is a result of a culture that needs to change.
While the NYPD had no formal comment as to why an officer would slam a woman and her unborn child to the pavement, an official within the department said that the woman had intervened in an arrest.
The incident is being investigated by the Internal Affairs Bureau.
The Office of Public Advocate Letitia James had no comment saying simply that they are going to investigate the case.
A news conference is slated for Wednesday afternoon with Rubenstein. It is unclear as of yet if the expectant mother will be at the news conference.