Frascatore had mistaken Blake for a similarly-looking suspect, police said.
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A police-watchdog panel in New York City has ruled that the officers who arrested retired tennis player James Blake as part of a credit-card-fraud sting used excessive force.
Since the incident, Blake has met with both New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton, who have apologized for the arrest and have promised reform.
Frascatore’s complaint record was not enough to place him on modified duty-until the highly publicized incident involving Blake.
Click through to see what Blake had to say and what he tweeted!
“Our commitment remains to be a fair and vigilant resource for all people who have complaints about police misconduct, and to judge the cases based on thorough, even-handed investigations which serve the public and officers alike”, Mina Malik, the board’s executive director, said in a statement.
On September 9, Blake was standing outside of Manhattan’s Grand Hyatt Hotel when he was approached by a plainclothes officer.
The CCRB has recommended that Frascatore, a veteran officer with a lengthy civilian complaint record, be put to administrative trial-a procedure that could lead to his suspension or permanent dismissal.
The recommended punishment for Frascatore was “Charges” – the most severe penalty – and can include any form of discipline up to termination, according to the disposition letter. Blake does not resist the officer in the video. The New York Times reports, however, that while the CCRB investigation is complete, the NYPD’s internal investigation is ongoing.
The president of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, the largest NYPD union, also did not respond to a request for comment. “An objective review of these facts will vindicate the officers involved”.
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Blake released a statement saying he appreciates the CCRB for its quick review and efforts to advance the investigation.
