A New York City man has filed a lawsuit accusing NYPD officers of excessive force and false arrest during what was supposed to be a routine bike ride.
Trevor Bishai initiated the legal action on August 27, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, naming the City of New York and Officer Oliver Leibowitz among the defendants.
The incident took place on May 31, 2024, when Bishai was riding his bike home along Eastern Parkway’s bicycle lane. The complaint alleges that Bishai encountered a group of officers blocking the path and, after urging them to move, accidentally bumped into Officer Leibowitz while trying to stop his bike.
Bishai claims he was then violently tackled by several officers and wrongfully arrested.
Bishai’s suit asserts that the officers used excessive and unjustified force and that Officer Leibowitz provided false statements that led to serious criminal charges—including assault with a weapon and criminal possession of a weapon—all of which were later dismissed.
The complaint also notes that Officer Leibowitz has been the subject of at least six prior complaints alleging physical force and abuse of authority, yet has faced no disciplinary action.
Seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorney fees and other relief, Bishai’s lawsuit also calls attention to alleged systemic failures in NYPD training and oversight that may enable misconduct.
The case is being heard under Case No. 1:25-cv-04792.
Source: 125cv04792_Bishai_v_City_of_New_York_Complaint_Eastern_District_New_York.pdf