CW: On the night of April 19th, when John Willet, a 22 year old Black man, was driving, he noticed a car was following him. Fearing that it may be someone meaning to do him harm, he sped away. The car following him turned out to be undercover police car, which pursued Willet to Ontario and Philadelphia Streets. Willet parked his vehicle, got out and ran across the street where he willingly surrendered. Willet reported that he stood there with his hands in the air when a Buffalo Police Officer punched him and threw him down to the ground. Buffalo Police Officer John Cirulli and Nicholas Militello along with four other officers kneed and punched Willet while trying to apprehend him. John Cirulli kicked and punched Willet while he was handcuffed and laying face down, pleading for them to stop.

Outcome

On April 28, 2014, officers were placed on administrative leave. On April 29, 2014, BPD suspended John Cirulli from duty without pay for violating departmental rules and regulations. On May 29, 2014, he resigned his position with the Buffalo Police Department and pleaded guilty to two federal misdemeanor civil rights violations. He was sentenced to 12 months probation.

On April 15, 2015, Willet filed a lawsuit against him, Militello, the Buffalo Police Department, the city of Buffalo, Jeffrey Rinaldo and another defendant. Judge Richard J. Arcara dismissed the case.