Accused NYPD Officer Cleared of Assault Charges in Apple Store Incident
Manhattan, New York – In a significant development, a New York City Police Officer accused of punching an erratic individual in a Manhattan Apple Store nearly three years ago has been exonerated of all charges. On Thursday, the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) of the City of New York announced the verdict in this high-profile case.
Not Guilty Verdict
A Manhattan judge ruled that Officer Salvatore Provenzano was not guilty of assault for the single punch he delivered in self-defense against a repeat offender causing chaos within the store in 2021.
PBA’s Relief and Outrage
“We’re grateful that the judge made the right and only decision to find our police officer not guilty,” said PBA President Patrick Hendry following the ruling. However, he expressed outrage that the case ever reached the courtroom.
Hendry claims that the prosecution targeted Provenzano to derail his career, not to serve justice. “This was never about fairness or justice. It was about derailing a hardworking police officer. That’s what this case was about, from the beginning,” he stated.
The Incident in Question
The accused individual had a history of problematic behavior at the Apple Store, including threats against security, disturbing the peace by throwing himself on the floor, and refusing to leave for extended periods. On the day in question, Provenzano reportedly attempted to intervene when other officers failed to calm the situation.
Controversial Prosecution
Provenzano was indicted in July 2023 by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office despite the fact that the suspect was not injured. Notably, two security guards who witnessed the incident were never called to testify before the grand jury.
Waste of Resources
The PBA criticized the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for wasting time and resources on this prosecution. Hendry argued, “A good, hardworking cop has been sidelined for nearly a year, and police officers across this borough are wondering if their careers will also be derailed by baseless charges.” He urged the office to focus on addressing genuine public safety issues instead of targeting police officers.
District Attorney’s Silence
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has not yet responded to requests for comment on the case’s outcome.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
