Activists want NYPD sergeant fired after off-duty shooting

<p>Dozens of activists, friends and relatives marched Tuesday afternoon to demand justice for a 21-year-old man shot and wounded by an off-duty NYPD officer last week.</p>

News 12 Staff

•

Aug 8, 2018, 12:51 AM

•

Updated 2,332 days ago

Dozens of activists, friends and relatives marched Tuesday afternoon to demand justice for a 21-year-old man shot and wounded by an off-duty NYPD officer last week.

As News 12 has reported, investigators are scrutinizing the officer's initial account of the encounter that left Thavone Santana hospitalized.

The marchers called for the NYPD to fire Sgt. Ritchard Blake. Their route covered more than half a mile from Linden Park to the scene of the shooting.

Ultimately, activists say, they want him indicted, convicted and imprisoned.

Blake initially claimed Santana had threatened him and tried to rob him -- but video later emerged to contradict his story.

"They better bring some justice, or else this is not going to be a governable and livable place in New York City," said Democratic state Assemblyman Charles Barron.

Investigators say they're looking into whether the two men had a prior dispute.

Santana remains hospitalized. Authorities say his recovery is progressing.