Timothy Brown, a 46-year-old home health aide, has filed a federal lawsuit against New York City, two NYPD detectives, and their supervisors, seeking $100 million in damages following a violent arrest last April.
The April 14 Liquor Store Encounter
The incident occurred on April 14 inside a Cobble Hill liquor store, where Brown had stopped to purchase wine after his shift. Undercover officers were searching for a suspect described as wearing a white shirt and green shorts when they encountered Brown, according to the NYPD.
Video footage recorded by a witness and shared online shows detectives taking Brown into custody. The confrontation resulted in multiple injuries for Brown, including a broken nose, a scalp hematoma, a knee wound requiring stitches, and fractured ribs.
Did You Know? The NYPD later acknowledged that Brown was wrongly identified during the drug sweep. Consequently, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office dismissed the initial charges of resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration filed against him.
A Brooklyn man whose violent arrest was captured on video is suing New York City and the NYPD detectives involved. Timothy Brown says he is still battling physical injuries and PTSD seven months later. https://t.co/vxP3ZDxFFO pic.twitter.com/OE93WpPk0D
Departmental Changes and Oversight
Following public outcry, the NYPD disbanded the Brooklyn North narcotics unit involved in the case. The department also reviewed its training procedures and removed the service weapons of Detectives Volkan Madden and Michael Algerio, who are named as defendants in the lawsuit.
Attorneys representing Brown argue these administrative steps are insufficient. “We are now seven months later, and we still have no accountability for the detectives in this case,” said attorney Mina Malik. “They are still on the job. They’re still getting a salary.”
Brown seeks justice as lawsuit moves through federal court
Brown, who now uses a cane to walk, says he continues to receive treatment for his physical injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. “I’m still in pain, certain areas of my body, and this is something we have to do,” Brown said Tuesday. “I want justice for what happened to me.”
The NYPD has declined to comment on the pending litigation, citing the oversight measures already enacted by the department. As the lawsuit moves through the federal court system, the legal team intends to use the available video evidence to support claims of excessive force, false arrest, and malicious prosecution.
What charges were filed and what injuries did Brown sustain?
What specific charges were originally filed against Timothy Brown?
Brown was initially charged with resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration. These charges were eventually dismissed by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office after police confirmed he had been wrongly identified.
What injuries did Brown sustain during the arrest?
According to his legal team, Brown suffered a broken nose, a scalp hematoma, a knee wound requiring stitches, and fractured ribs. He also sustained injuries to his arms and wrists and is being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Are the detectives named in the lawsuit still employed by the NYPD?
Yes. While the NYPD disbanded the Brooklyn North narcotics unit and removed the detectives’ guns, Brown’s attorneys, Mina Malik and Derek Sells, confirmed the detectives remain employed and continue to receive a salary.
How will the city respond to the demand for $100 million in damages as the case proceeds in federal court?