A Brooklyn resident has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of New York, the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and Officer Mohammad Zabed, alleging civil rights violations including assault and false imprisonment during an incident last year. The complaint was filed by Micah Smalls in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on September 4, 2024.
According to the complaint, on September 6, 2023, at approximately 9:13 P.M., Smalls was in the vicinity of Kingsland Avenue and Richardson Street in Brooklyn when he was allegedly assaulted by NYPD officers. The plaintiff claims that he was "assaulted, battered, punched, hit, handcuffed, detained, humiliated," and subjected to excessive force without any provocation or justification. The incident continued while Smalls was transferred to and held at a police precinct believed to be Precinct 94. According to the lawsuit, these actions violated Smalls' civil rights under various sections of U.S. law including 42 U.S.C. §1981 and §1983.
The lawsuit further alleges that the defendants engaged in false arrest and malicious prosecution. Smalls contends that he was wrongfully detained and imprisoned without probable cause and that criminal proceedings were initiated against him maliciously and without evidence.
"Defendants acted with malice in initiating criminal proceedings against plaintiff," states the complaint. Additionally, it is claimed that evidence was misrepresented and falsified throughout all phases of these proceedings.
Smalls seeks compensatory damages for physical injuries described as severe and permanent, emotional distress, loss of earnings, and medical expenses incurred due to this incident. He also demands punitive damages for what he describes as intentional infliction of harm by the police officers involved. The relief sought includes litigation costs.
Representing Smalls is Joel M. Rubenstein from German Rubenstein LLP. Case ID 1:24-cv-06172.