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Canarsie man at center of alleged assault, arrest meets with city leaders

The family of 20-year-old Fitzroy Gayle, who were also in attendance, said it was a productive meeting, but they are still demanding justice.

News 12 Staff

Mar 11, 2020, 1:12 AM

Updated 1,736 days ago

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A Canarsie man who claims officers from the 69th Precinct assaulted him met with city leaders Tuesday.
Fitzroy Gayle claims the officers used excessive force and is asking for further investigation.
The family of 20-year-old Fitzroy Gayle, who were also in attendance, said it was a productive meeting, but they are still demanding justice.
They also want the officers involved to be placed on modified duty.
As of now, the NYPD says the officers are still active.
Last Wednesday night, police say they saw two men, including Gayle, were smoking a lit marijuana cigarette inside a park. When officers approached, the NYPD says the two men ran away, which led the officers to chase after them.
Cellphone video appears to show the plainclothes officers holding the arm of Gayle while he’s asking the officers what crime he committed. The video goes on to show at least eight officers arrive and taking Gayle to the ground.
Police say Gayle was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, resisting arrest and unlawful obstruction of governmental administration. The other man, who was not identified, received a summons.
Following the incident, community members rallied outside the 69th Precinct to show support for Gayle. Sen. Roxanne Persaud called for a full investigation into the matter.
The NYPD commissioner echoed that last week. He said the rush of officers was concerning and wished there had been a better outcome. He added that he also wished the pair had not run away in the first place.
Advocates and Gayle’s family say he had his hands up and did not resist arrest.
Gayle’s relatives are planning to meet with the Brooklyn district attorney in the future with the hopes he will drop the criminal charges against him.
The NYPD says the incident is under internal review.
Gayle is due back in court on March 24. His attorney plans to ask for charges to be dismissed.