Incidents (301 documented)

    Incident 80

    Date Oct 18, 2019
    Department Rochester Police Department
    Officers Adam J. Devincentis
    Description

    According to Spectrum news, DeVincentis chased a victim and there was fighting for several minutes

    Outcome

    none

    Address First St near Miller St
    Rochester, NY
     

    Incident 126

    Date Sep 19, 2019
    Department Rochester Police Department
    Officers Connor C. Edwards
    Description

    According to court documents, one 8th grade victim was waiting to be picked up by their mother from a school bus that had stopped and the driver called dispatch because other students had gotten into an altercation when RPD officers Edwards, Sterling, Pedicone, and Mendez approached the bus aggressively with mace. After the bus driver opening the door to let the child victim out, saying out-loud that they were not one of the students in the fight, the officers pushed, maced, forced to the ground and arrested both the child and an adult victim attempting to pick up the child with their mother.

    Outcome

    Court case undergoing mediation. No disciplinary actions

    Address Glenwood Ave near Lake Ave
    Rochester, NY
     

    Incident 225

    Date Sep 01, 2019
    Department Buffalo Police Department
    Officers Christopher D. Bridgett , Kyle T. Moriarity
    Description

    Buffalo Officers Kyle T Moriarity and Christopher Bridgett attacked, assaulted, and seized Dean Taylor, a Black man, without just cause or provocation, while he stood on a street corner taking a video of police activity down the street. Moriarity and Bridgett struck Taylor numerous times, dragged him to a police vehicle and handcuffed him behind his back.

    Address Buffalo, NY
     

    Incident 303

    Date Aug 15, 2019
    Department Buffalo Police Department
    Officers Lawrence L. Briggs Ii , Ryan M. Sanders
    Description

    On August 15, 2019, at approximately 11:00 PM, a Buffalo resident was operating his vehicle at a busy intersection with parked cars on both sides. He momentarily stopped at the corner to allow a passenger to exit the vehicle. Buffalo Police Officers Lawrence Briggs and Ryan Sanders, on patrol at the same intersection, activated their cruiser’s lights in response to what they deemed a traffic obstruction.

    When the man did not immediately move his vehicle, both officers exited their vehicle and approached him. Officer Briggs approached the passenger’s side window (which was closed) and stated, “There’s a blunt in there? Get him out [of] the car.” The man acknowledged the presence of a blunt in the vehicle and became visibly upset when Officer Briggs opened his door. Despite expressing agitation and cursing, he complied with the command to exit the vehicle.

    Officer Sanders led the man to the side of the vehicle, where he placed his hands on top of the car. Officer Briggs gave repeated commands for him to spread his legs and bring his feet back. The man stated he was complying and repeatedly informed the officers that he was disabled.

    As Officer Briggs attempted to arrest the man, he commanded him to place his hands behind his back. The man, still stating that he was disabled and keeping his hands visible atop the vehicle, was unable comply. Officer Briggs then threw the man to the ground, during which the man screamed in pain, citing a pre-existing neck injury.

    On the ground, Officer Briggs initially pinned the man on his back, then rolled him onto his stomach. The man continued to express severe pain and stated multiple times, “I’m not trying to resist.” Officers then called for medical assistance.

    Outcome

    The man was transported to a hospital where he was diagnosed with a cervical fracture and ligament damage. He had documented pre-existing spinal and shoulder conditions.

    The man was initially charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration (2nd degree), criminal possession of marijuana (5th degree), and criminal possession of a weapon (4th degree – knife found in vehicle). All charges were ultimately dismissed following suppression of the blunt evidence.

    In his arrest paperwork, Officer Briggs wrote that the man said, “I’ll beat your ass.” He later retracted this after rewatching the BWC footage, which showed no such statement. Officer Briggs claimed the blunt was burning; however, BWC footage and Sanders’ testimony did not support this.

    The incident violated a directive issued by Mayor Byron Brown in early 2019, which directed the Buffalo Police Department to cease enforcement of low-level marijuana possession offenses.

    Use of force under these circumstances was found to be unreasonable and excessive under Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386 (1989), particularly given the low-level nature of the alleged offense and the Complainant’s physical condition and non-threatening behavior.

    Internal Affairs Division exonerated both officers.

    A civil lawsuit was filed against the City of Buffalo, the Buffalo Police Department, Police Officer Lawrence Briggs, and Police Officer Ryan Sanders. The lawsuit was settled for $210,000.

    Address Victoria Avenue
    Buffalo, NY
     

    Incident 19MP006253

    Date Aug 09, 2019
    Time 05:15 AM
    Report # 19MP006253
    Department Montpelier Police Department
    Officers Chad Bean , Chris Quesnel
    Description

    Cpl. Chad Bean shot and killed a 62-year old man after responding to call of an attempted break-in. Chief Medical Examiner determined cause of death was “homicide/shot by police.”

    Address Spring Street
    Montpelier, VT
     

    Incident 59

    Date Jul 24, 2019
    Department Rochester Police Department
    Officers Patrice R. Allen
    Description

    According to City of Rochester public records, Officer Allen plead guilty to the New York State violation disorderly conduct in Niagara Falls, NY City Court. There is no further information on the disorderly conduct charge.

    Outcome

    Officer Allen received ten days' suspension without pay

    Address Rochester, NY
     

    Incident 20

    Date Jul 04, 2019
    Department Burlington Police Department
    Officers Brandon Del Pozo
    Description

    del Pozo harassed a local activist on social media, lied about it to the press, and then eventually admitted it and resigned when presented with evidence.

    Address Burlington, VT
     

    Incident 226

    Date May 27, 2019
    Department Buffalo Police Department
    Officers Anthony Burvid , Patrick D. Boice , John M. Davidson , Patrick S. Garry , Jenny M. Velez , Anthony J. Mchugh , Matthew Vaughn
    Description

    Police pulled over Bruce McNeil, a city resident, in May 2019 for a vehicle violation. The officers searched McNeil’s car, found nothing, and let him go without even a ticket for the license plate bulb they claimed was not working.

    McNeil was mad about the stop. He believed his civil rights were violated, that they had no right or reason to search his car. And he found damage on the hood that he said police caused during the search.

    McNeil went to file a complaint against the officers with Internal Affairs and he alleged in a civil lawsuit that a lieutenant on duty refused to accept his complaint and threatened to arrest him for possession of drugs if he did not leave.

    McNeil left, but came back to the police station, this time with his mother, who demanded that he get a complaint filed. Police then arrested him on charges of possession of crack cocaine. The two officers alleged in the police report that they found the crack cocaine after a sweep of the police vehicle in the vicinity of where McNeil sat.

    A judge did not believe the story. McNeil was acquitted by a bench trial and is now suing the city and the police officers for wrongful arrest.

    Address Broadway Street
    Buffalo, NY
     

    Incident 14

    Date May 19, 2019
    Department Vermont Capitol Police
    Officers Matthew S. Romei
    Description

    During the arrest of several demonstrators during a protest at the statehouse, VCP Chief Romei threatened to arrest several journalists who attempted to document the event.

    Address State St.
    Montpelier, VT
     

    Incident 143

    Date Apr 19, 2019
    Department Rochester Police Department
    Officers Joel A. Hasper
    Description

    According to a suit, Officer Hasper made a false and retaliatory arrest and used excessive force in connection with the arrest

    Address Rochester, NY
     

    Incident 277

    Date Apr 07, 2019
    Time 02:40 AM
    Department Buffalo Police Department
    Officers John M. Davidson , Patrick S. Garry
    Description

    Around 2:40 a.m. on April 7, 2019, four Buffalo residents returned from Tim Horton’s and parked in one the resident's driveway. As they prepared to exit the vehicle, Buffalo Police Officers John Davidson and Patrick Garry approached in a patrol car. Without explanation the officers aggressively ordered them back into the car, issuing threats of lethal violence. Officer Garry said, “Get the fuck back into the vehicle,” and “Don’t move or I’ll end all of you right now, and put all of your brains over the dashboard.”

    Two of the Buffalo residents explained to the officers that they had pre-existing leg injuries, but the officers proceeded to assault and repeatedly slam the vehicle doors on their legs, despite their protests. Officer Garry also punched one of the residents. The residents were then unlawfully detained, searched, and harassed, with no legal justification.

    Officers placed the residents in a patrol car, searched the vehicle without cause, and emptied an unopened bottle of Hennessy. They also threatened nearby residents who attempted to record the encounter. Further misconduct included throwing one of the residents to the ground, stealing $300, and taking a cell phone.

    When the residents asked the officers’ names to file a complaint, the officers refused, provided false information about their precinct, and continued their unlawful actions.

    Outcome

    A civil suit was brought against the City of Buffalo and both Buffalo Police officers. A settlement was reached for two of the plaintiffs for $5,001 each in 2021. Settlement was reached for $15,000 and $20,000 for the other two plaintiffs in 2024. The total amount that city was required to pay out to plaintiffs as a result of police brutality in this case was $45,002. There was no known disciplinary action taken against the officers.

    Address Leslie St
    Buffalo, NY
     

    Incident 17

    Date Mar 11, 2019
    Department Burlington Police Department
    Officers Cory Campbell
    Description

    Officer Cory Campbell punched Douglas Kilburn, who died three days later. Kilburn's death was ruled a homicide, but the attorney general did not pursue charges against Campbell. Campbell had responded to a University of Vermont Medical Center call that Kilburn was irate. After Kilburn saw his wife and was in his car outside, Campbell approached Kilburn again and told him to "shut the fuck up and leave", after which Kilburn left his car, punched Campbell, and Campbell punched him back, eventually killing him.

    Address Burlington, VT
     

    Incident 235

    Date Mar 06, 2019
    Time 06:20 AM
    Department Buffalo Police Department
    Officers Clayton P. Reed , Michael J. Healy , Michael Ross , Ellen M. Taylor , Judith M. Bigelow , Michael D. Long , Patrick E. Morrow , Robert E. Lee
    Description

    Buffalo Police officers forcibly removed from a vehicle and mercilessly beat Robert Closs, a 78 year old man who was well known to the Buffalo Police Department as a citizen with mental health problems. Closs died approximately three weeks later from blunt force trauma caused by the brutality.

    Address Buffalo, NY
     

    Incident 251

    Date Dec 12, 2018
    Time 11:30 AM
    Department Buffalo Police Department
    Officers Joseph Meli
    Description

    Police say security from the Wegmans on Amherst Street reported a shoplifter at 11:20 p.m. An on-duty lieutenant who happened to be in the store was informed the suspect had ran.

    Approximately eight minutes later, officers located the suspect, 47-year-old Marcus Neal, across the street. They chased Neal on foot to Gladstone Street. Police said Neal ran into a yard and climbed up onto a flat-roof garage. Multiple officers pursued him up there. According to police, once up there, he produced a knife but refused multiple requests to drop it. They claim that Neal then charged the officers with the knife, and one of the officers opened fire, striking him.

    Neal’s family disputes the conclusion that nothing could have been done to spare his life and questions whether the events of that freezing night unfolded exactly as police have said.

    Neal was transported to Erie County Medical Center and immediately put into surgery. He later died from his injuries.

    Outcome

    Because of the presence of an alleged knife, Neal’s death was not investigated by the New York State Attorney General, which, under Executive Order No. 147 acts as a special prosecutor in deaths of unarmed citizens by police.

    The Erie County District Attorney’s Office did investigate. Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said that the shooting was justified. No charges were filed against the officer.

    Address Gladstone Street
    Buffalo, NY
     

    Incident 213

    Date Dec 08, 2018
    Department Rochester Police Department
    Officers Kelly Mackin
    Description

    Officer Kelly Mackin fired her service weapon at a vehicle of suspect and hit it.

    Outcome

    administrative duty

    Address Melville St
    Rochester, NY
     

    Incident 208

    Date Nov 13, 2018
    Department Rochester Police Department
    Officers Korey M. Mcnees
    Description

    According to D&C, McNees allegedly recommended an illegal breaking and entering to a civilian and then when a civilian in the house pulled out a gun to protect themselves, the civilian with the gun was arrested for possession

    Outcome

    City paid $100,000 in damages

    Address Genesee Park Boulevard
    Rochester, NY
     

    Incident 64

    Date Oct 19, 2018
    Department Rochester Police Department
    Officers Javier Algarin
    Description

    Several media sources show the officer entering the wrong yard without warning, then shooting a friendly dog who'd just been let out into the yard. Body-worn camera footage showed the death. Lawsuits were brought against the city.

    Outcome

    unknown

    Address Rochester, NY
     

    Incident 168

    Date Oct 11, 2018
    Department Rochester Police Department
    Officers Brian Phillips
    Description

    Allegedly involved in shootout with several other officers that left a person dead

    Address Post Ave
    Rochester, NY
     

    Incident 13

    Date Oct 06, 2018
    Department Burlington Police Department
    Officers Bryan V. Kirby , Jason M. Bellavance , Cory Campbell
    Description

    Officers Bellavance, Hodges, Kirby, and Cambpell of the BPD broke Mohamed Luhizo's jaw during an arrest. In video captured from an officer's body camera, Hodges can be seen slamming his knee into Luhizo's face while Luhizo is on the ground, breaking his jaw. Luhizo, who is black, filed suit, alleging excessive force and racial bias.

    Address South Winooski Ave.
    Burlington, VT
     

    Incident 18

    Date Sep 19, 2018
    Time 12:00 AM
    Department Burlington Police Department
    Officers Cory Campbell , Jason M. Bellavance
    Description

    Officers Campbell and Bellavance responded to What Ale's You after a call by the bar owner. Bellavance pushes Jeremie Meli, whose head slams into a wall and is unresponsive. When his brother asks Campbell if they can stop, Campbell and Bellavance pull him the ground.

    Summary based on body cam footage from the linked article: "Meli says “you guys started the fight.” Bellavance then shoves him, and Meli falls over and slams his head into wall outside the building. A loud thump can be heard in the video, and his eyes can be seen rolling back. His brother, Albin Meli, can be heard in the video saying that Jeremie Meli was unresponsive.

    Later, after officers had handcuffed Jeremie Meli, who had regained consciousness, Albin Meli puts his hand on Officer Cory Campbell’s shoulder and asks, “I’m sorry to say this, but can you please tell them to stop?”

    Bellavance and Campbell then pull Albin Meli to the ground. Medics later arrived on the scene to treat Jeremie Meli, and were told by Bellavance he lost consciousness."

    Address Burlington, VT