Commissioner Bratton Outlines Next Steps In James Blake False Arrest Case
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A day after the Civilian Complaint Review Board recommended discipline against the officer who tackled and arrested tennis icon James Blake last month, NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton spoke about what steps are to come in the case.
"They now will move this into either a negotiated settlement between the officer and Mr Blake. If that negotiation were not to occur, then it could move into a trial," said Bratton.
An NYPD judge will make a finding in the case and Bratton will make a final judgement in terms of discipline, WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported.
On Wednesday, the board returned its findings, substantiating an excessive use of force claim against Officer James Frascatore. The board recommended discipline against Frascatore, as well as against the sergeant who ordered Blake's arrest.
PBA President Patrick Lynch said the CCRB's conclusion is absolutely wrong.
"If you watch that video, it's a video of a police officer doing a proper takedown while there's two arrests going on with a complaintant saying 'that is the person,'" he said.
In video that recorded the arrest, Blake could be seen standing outside of the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Wednesday, Sept. 9 when Frascatore, who was undercover and in plain clothes, ran up to him, pulled him to the ground, and secured his hands behind his back to handcuff him.
Frascatore is part of the department's Financial Crimes Task Force and mistook Blake for what they thought was a known suspect. It was only after a retired NYPD detective nearby happened to recognize Blake and identified him that he was let go.
Following the board's recommendations, Blake released a statement saying "It is my understanding that these officers now face an administrative trial for their roles in the respective offenses. I have complete respect for the principle of due process and appreciate the efforts of the CCRB to advance this investigation."
Lynch, however, said the Civilian Complaint Review Board was just looking for a headline.