Woman Files $60M Lawsuit Against Suffolk Police: Reports

DIX HILLS, NY — A woman filed a $60 million civil federal lawsuit against the Suffolk County Police Department in connection with an alleged assault at a June 2021 Dix Hills graduation party, according to reports.

The lawsuit claims Cindy O'Pharrow, who is African American, was assaulted at the party because of her race, News 12 Long Island reported. O'Pharrow was trying to help a gunshot victim at the time and suffered physical and emotional injuries, the lawsuit claims.

O'Pharrow was a guest at a party at her friend's Seaman Neck Road home, as the homeowner's son and daughter were celebrating their graduation, the lawsuit alleges, Newsday reported. A 20-year-old West Babylon man was shot as the party was breaking up, and O'Pharrow promised the man's mother she would stay with him until he got to the hospital, the lawsuit claims, according to Newsday.

O'Pharrow was forcibly removed from an ambulance that was taking the shooting victim to the hospital, the lawsuit claims, WSHU Public Radio reported.

A Suffolk police officer told O'Pharrow to "get the hell out" of the ambulance after the man who was shot was loaded inside, the lawsuit claims, Newsday reported. O'Pharrow was physically removed from the ambulance by two officers, the lawsuit alleges, Newsday reported.

Suffolk police investigated the incident shortly after it happened, according to WSHU.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said the allegation that officers physically assaulted O'Pharrow for no reason is "false," News 12 Long Island reported.

"The evidence indicates that the officers acted in the best interest of this victim," Bellone said, according to News 12.

O'Pharrow co-founded Cops N’ Kids, a nonprofit that "teaches, molds, and mentors young people" and values "inspiration, champions, courage, unity, and respect."

The organization tries to foster better relationships between police and youth, according to WSHU.

O'Pharrow's attorney told News 12 Long Island that "Mrs. O'Pharrow, who is very supportive of police officers, should never have been mistreated as she was. This is especially true when all she wanted to do was help. Justice must be the ultimate goal."