Newark Cop Suspended, Teen Alleges Unnecessary Force

Newark, NJ – The Newark Police Department has suspended an officer accused of dislocating a 14-year-old student’s shoulder during an incident on Tuesday.

The officer - who has reportedly been with the force since March of 2014 - was suspended for allegedly failing to document his actions until 24 hours after the incident, according to Acting Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.

In addition to the suspension, other members of the city’s gang enforcement unit are being reassigned and investigated, Ambrose stated.

The injured Newark charter student, who plays basketball and baseball at his school, is alleging that city police officers used unnecessary force on him as he was walking home from a local bodega near 14th Street and 14th Avenue, ABC7 New York reported.

The student told ABC7 that he when he saw several unmarked cars with flashing lights approach him, he took off running because he was scared and “didn’t know what to do.”

About six officers caught up with him and allegedly slammed him on the ground, pulled his arm back and handcuffed him, the student told ABC7.

The encounter was allegedly captured on surveillance video, which can be seen here.

The teen was allegedly left handcuffed in the street and walked home crying in pain, he told ABC7

“Although this investigation is in its early stages, we have determined that the incident does involve members of the Newark Police Department,” Ambrose told NJ.com. “This is an unfortunate incident. However, it is not a reflection on the entire department but on the actions of a few.”