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Teen, public defenders accuse NYPD of wrongful violent arrest

Attorneys with Brooklyn Defender Services are calling on city officials to hold the NYPD accountable following the arrest of a teen that was seen on surveillance video.

News 12 Staff

Mar 23, 2019, 5:47 PM

Updated 2,089 days ago

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Teen, public defenders accuse NYPD of wrongful violent arrest
Attorneys with Brooklyn Defender Services are calling on city officials to hold the NYPD accountable following the arrest of a teen that was seen on surveillance video.
The accusations follow the 2018 arrest of 19-year-old Christopher Parham, who says he was at a grocery store when he was ambushed by officers in plain clothes.
Parham says police gave him a concussion and hurt his shoulder.
Surveillance video obtained by Brooklyn Defender Services shows he was dragged to the ground.
Police say the officers were doing their jobs, suspecting Parham of stealing an electric scooter. They say they arrested him for reckless driving and resisting arrest, among other charges.
“Because I'm black,” says Parham. “Because of the color of my skin, that’s why I was targeted. Not all of us are up to no good.”
The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office says it is investigating his arrest.