Former NYPD Officer Convicted of Assault for Beating Man in 2021
Guilty Verdict for Punching Incident in Greenwich Village
A former New York City police officer, Juan Perez, has been convicted of assault for punching a man, Borim Husenaj, in the face multiple times and breaking his nose while on patrol in the Greenwich Village neighborhood on November 10, 2021.
Background of the Incident
According to an indictment filed last year, Perez and his partner were responding to a radio call when they spotted Husenaj acting erratically and holding a liquor bottle. After a verbal back-and-forth, Perez pushed Husenaj against the wall and tried to handcuff him, prosecutors said. Both officers and Husenaj fell to the ground, and Perez "proceeded to rapidly punch the victim" while he was "lying on the ground defenseless," prosecutors said.
Consequences of the Assault
Husenaj, then 26, was treated for a broken nose and suffered "emotional and psychological injuries, pain, suffering, mental anguish, economic and pecuniary damages," according to a lawsuit against Perez and New York City filed by his estate last year.
Perez’s Defense and Reaction
Perez’s attorney, Stuart London, told The New York Times that the officer had "responded to that location to help an individual." "When this individual turned on him and attacked him, all he did was stop the threat," London said. However, the prosecution argued that the use of force was excessive and unwarranted.
Verdict and Reaction
On Thursday, a judge found Perez guilty of assaulting Husenaj. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement, "Today a judge found former NYPD Officer Perez guilty of assault for punching an individual in the face six times. Members of law enforcement have important positions of trust in our city, and holding accountable those who violate that trust is essential for lasting public safety."
Impact on the Community and Police
Patrick Hendry, the president of the Police Benevolent Association, said the verdict against Perez sent "a chilling message" to police officers. "Cops are being violently attacked on the streets every day. If this is what happens when we try to protect ourselves, we won’t be able to protect the public. We believe this verdict ignores all the facts and we will be helping our police officer appeal it immediately."
Family’s Perspective and Lawsuit
Husenaj’s family thanked the district attorney’s office and Judge Maxwell Wiley in a statement after Perez’s conviction. They also filed a lawsuit against Perez and the city, claiming that the "vicious assault and battery" exacerbated Husenaj’s fear and paranoia and was a "substantial factor" in his suicide in March 2022.
Conclusion
The conviction of former NYPD Officer Juan Perez serves as a reminder of the importance of holding law enforcement accountable for their actions. The use of excessive force, as in this case, can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. The verdict sends a strong message about the need for police accountability and the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals.
FAQs
Q: What was the incident that led to Perez’s conviction?
A: Perez and his partner were responding to a radio call when they spotted Husenaj acting erratically and holding a liquor bottle. After a verbal back-and-forth, Perez pushed Husenaj against the wall and tried to handcuff him, and both officers and Husenaj fell to the ground, at which point Perez punched Husenaj multiple times while he was defenseless.
Q: What were the consequences of the assault?
A: Husenaj suffered a broken nose and emotional and psychological injuries, and his family filed a lawsuit against Perez and the city, claiming that the assault exacerbated his fear and paranoia and was a substantial factor in his suicide.
Q: How did Perez’s defense team respond to the allegations?
A: Perez’s attorney, Stuart London, argued that Perez had "responded to that location to help an individual" and that he had acted in self-defense when Husenaj turned on him.
