The NYPD’s use of force was deemed by the Civilian Grievance Evaluation Board Wed.to be “excessive” against former tennis show star James Blake, in accordance to the city agency.
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Mayor Bill de Blasio and police Commissioner William Bratton have apologized to Blake, who has said he believes Frascatore should be fired.
The review board also found that a detective who authorized the arrest, Daniel Herzog, abused his authority in connection with the arrest, which occurred during a sting operation related to credit card fraud; Blake was mistaken for a suspect.
Blake, who is black, was surrounded by six plainclothes officers while waiting for a auto to take him to the U.S. Tennis Open.
“It is my understanding that these officers now face an administrative trial for their roles in the respective offenses”, Blake said Wednesday in a statement that accompanied the CCRB letter. “I have complete respect for the principle of due process and appreciate the efforts of the C.C.R.B.to advance this investigation”.
In a statement, Pat Lynch, president of the New York City Patrolman’s Benevolent Association, insisted Frascatore did not strike or try to harm Blake. Frascatore has been put on desk duty.
A departmental trial could end in disciplinary action or termination.
After it did, the board recommended that charges should be filed against Officer Frascatore that “may result in an administrative hearing and a penalty more severe than a command discipline”, according to a letter of the board’s findings that was sent to Blake’s lawyer, Kevin Marino. The police union boss has said the officer “did a professional job”.
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The NYPD said it was aware of the CCRB’s findings and that the department’s internal review is ongoing.
