Panel: NYPD Officer Used Excessive Force When Wrongly Arresting James Blake

An independent investigation by the Civilian Complaint Review Board determined that the NYPD used excessive force when officers wrongly arrested former tennis player James Blake in September while conducting a credit card fraud sting.

Via the , the CCRB recommended a suspension or firing for James Frascatore, the officer who took Blake down in front of a Manhattan hotel on Sept. 9. Frascatore had previous allegations of police misconduct from 2012 and 2013. The board also recommended discipline for Daniel Herzog, the detective who authorized the arrest.

Blake was pleased with the board’s findings:

“I want to express my appreciation to the Civilian Complaint Review Board for their quick and thorough review of the incident where I was attacked,” Mr. Blake said in a statement. “I have complete respect for the principle of due process and appreciate the efforts of the C.C.R.B. to advance this investigation.”

Mr. Blake’s lawyer, Kevin H. Marino, said his client “looks forward to participating in the forthcoming trial.”

An NYPD spokesman said their internal review is “still ongoing.”

[ New York Times]

Photo: AP

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