Off-Duty Cop Robbed & Pistol-Whipped Man Near Bushwick Club: DA

BUSHWICK, BROOKLYN — An off-duty police officer stole a man’s pants outside a Brooklyn nightclub, pistol-whipped him, then tried to blame innocent bystanders and his victim for the crime, Brooklyn prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Police Officer Anthony Delacruz, 34, stands accused of stealing a man’s cash, jewelry cellphone and clothes at gunpoint outside El Mekkah Bar and Grill on Wyckoff Avenue near Grove Street around 3:30 a.m. on May 28, 2016, prosecutors said.

Delacruz was first discovered by police officers summoned to the nightclub when a 911 caller reported shots had been fired, according to statement from the Brooklyn District Attorney's office.

Delacruz told the officers that he had shot at a group of people who stole his gold chain, Rolex watch and gold ring, then fired two shots at him, prosecutors said.

The off-duty officer then pointed out a group of club goers — all of whom were taken into police custody — and claimed they had contributed to the robbery, said prosecutors.

Surveillance footage later proved their innocence, prosecutors said.

Delacruz was taken to an area hospital where he was questioned by police, prosecutors said. When NYPD personnel realized he had not been forthcoming about certain details, and had gone out with his service gun but not his shield, they decided to investigate.

The investigation uncovered video of Delacruz pointing his service weapon at a man hiding behind a car near the nightclub, then walking away with his victim and another accomplice, said prosecutors.

The victim, whose name was not released, told investigators that Delacruz pistol-whipped and robbed him, prosecutors said.

The victim’s DNA was later found on the muzzle of Delacruz’ gun and one of its shell casing was found near the club, prosecutors said.

The video also shows the three men returning — the victim clad only in a t-shirt, boxer shorts and without shoes — and Delacruz’ accomplice carrying a bundle of clothes and sneakers, prosecutors said.

Delacruz later identified his victim as one of his alleged robbers, but charges brought against the man were soon dismissed, prosecutors said.

The officer was arraigned on 14 counts of robbery, assault, menacing and other charges, in Brooklyn Criminal Court on Wednesday, prosecutors said.

Delacruz was granted a $50,000 cash bail and told to return to court on March 21, prosecutors said.

The police officer, who was suspended by the NYPD Wednesday, faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count, said prosecutors.

The NYPD responded to the arrest with a press release detailing the charges against Delacruz, who serves in Brooklyn’s 84th Precinct covering Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill, and Vinegar Hill.

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