Police Misconduct Knows No Boundaries-Former Pro Tennis Player Victim of Excessive Force

Retired pro tennis player, James Blake, made headlines during the US Open this week. However, it had nothing to do with tennis. Blake, who was once ranked as high as number 4 in the world, was the victim of excessive force and wrongful arrest by a New York City police officer. Blake was slammed to the ground by the police officer and then aggressively placed in restraints. Eventually the officer realized his mistake when a bystander informed him that he had wrongfully attacked a former pro tennis player.

The wrongful arrest was not reported through the proper administrative channels and only became public after Blake came forward later and complained. By accounts, the officer ran at Blake and tackled him which resulted in Blake’s body slamming to the ground. Of course, this begs the question why such force was used on a compliant individual who was not resisting and posed no threat.

 
What is further alarming is that the officer failed to file a mistaken arrest report as required. In other words, had Blake not been a well-known public figure who came forth and complained, the incident would have been swept under the rug. The officer most likely purposely failed to report the mistaken arrest. This conduct is deceitful and calls into question what other things the officer, and officers similarly situated, are willing to lie about.

 
The Piccuta Law Group handles cases involving the violation of civil rights, police brutality and excessive force. In those cases, it is not unusual for our firm to discover that officers routinely distort the truth and lie about the events in an effort to protect themselves and their careers. As despicable as that is, these same officers go even further and falsify police reports and lie while under oath. This is all in an effort to convict the victims that they wrongfully arrested or beat up.

 
This holds especially true when the victim is facing a resisting arrest charge. If found guilty, the officers are then justified in their conduct and the ability for the victim to file an excessive force lawsuit is all but extinguished. However, if the victim is able to prevail and beat the charge of resisting arrest, then they may have a potential claim for malicious prosecution in addition to the other claims for violations of their civil rights.

 
If you or a loved one were a victim of police brutality or excessive force, contact the Piccuta Law Group today. One of our attorneys will provide a free consultation to determine if you have a case.