A lawsuit filed in federal court claims that a local resident was wrongfully arrested, subjected to excessive force, and maliciously prosecuted by city police officers, raising questions about law enforcement practices and accountability. The complaint was submitted by Robert Williams on June 19, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against the City of New York and three unidentified police officers referred to as John Does #1-3.
According to the filing, Williams alleges that on March 11, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., he was sitting inside his legally parked car near Fort Green Park in Brooklyn while waiting for a medical appointment at Brooklyn Hospital. The complaint states that an unmarked police vehicle stopped nearby and three white police officers approached without identifying themselves. Williams claims he was forcibly removed from his car despite informing the officers that he had recently suffered a stroke, was disabled, and needed a cane to walk.
The document reports that the officers allegedly slammed Williams to the ground, kneed him on various parts of his body, handcuffed him tightly causing pain and bruising, and ignored his pleas regarding his medical condition. It further states that after searching him and finding nothing illegal, the officers transported Williams to the 60th precinct where he was fingerprinted, photographed, detained in a holding cell, and denied prompt medical attention despite repeated requests. He was later taken to Coney Island Hospital for treatment before being returned to custody.
Williams asserts that following his arrest he was charged with grand larceny, petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property among other offenses based on what he describes as "falsified police records and reports." The complaint alleges that prosecutors initiated criminal proceedings relying on these statements but all charges were dismissed on September 26, 2025. During this period Williams claims he endured multiple court appearances which restricted his liberty.
The lawsuit outlines several causes of action including false arrest and imprisonment under Title 42 U.S.C. §1983; unlawful search and seizure; malicious prosecution; use of excessive force; fabrication of evidence; denial of right to a fair trial; failure to intervene by other officers present; municipal liability against the City under Monell doctrine for alleged policies or customs resulting in constitutional violations; assault and battery; false arrest/false imprisonment under state tort law; as well as negligent hiring and retention by the City.
Williams contends that "the conduct described herein violated plaintiff's rights under 42 U.S.C. §1983 and the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution." He further alleges that "the defendant City...has developed and maintained policies and customs exhibiting deliberate indifference to the constitutional rights of its citizens," referencing previous legal cases involving similar accusations against city agencies.
As relief from the court Williams seeks compensatory damages in an amount to be determined at trial against all defendants jointly and severally; punitive damages against individual defendants; reasonable attorneys’ fees pursuant to federal statute; pre-judgment interest as allowed by law; costs associated with bringing the action; as well as any additional relief deemed just by the court.
The case is identified as Case No. 1:26-cv-03715. Robert Williams is represented by attorney Philip Akakwam of Law Office of Philip Akakwam P.C., located at 303 Livingston Street in Brooklyn.
Source: 126cv03715_Williams_v_City_of_New_York_Complaint_Eastern_District_New_York.pdf