NYPD Officer Acquitted in Apple Store Assault Case

An NYPD officer accused of punching an erratic man in an Apple Store has been cleared of all charges, prompting criticism from the police union that the case should never have been brought to court.

A New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer has been acquitted of all charges in connection with an alleged assault at an Apple Store nearly three years ago, the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) of the City of New York announced on Thursday.

The officer, identified as Salvatore Provenzano, was indicted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office in July 2023 and suspended without pay. However, a Manhattan judge found Provenzano not guilty after a trial, prompting the PBA to denounce the case as a politically motivated attempt to derail the officer's career.

According to the PBA, Provenzano was trying to protect himself and the public from an erratic man who had been banned from the Apple Store for causing chaos. The man had allegedly threatened security, thrown himself on the floor, and refused to leave for over 30 minutes.

"Police Officer Provenzano was simply doing his job, trying to protect himself and the public," said PBA President Patrick Hendry. "We're grateful that the court recognized that reality and acquitted him, but unfortunately a lot of damage has been done."

Hendry criticized DA Bragg for bringing charges against Provenzano without calling the two eyewitnesses who were security guards. He also accused Bragg of targeting police officers over "nonsense" while ignoring real public safety issues.

"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," Hendry said. "Manhattan prosecutors need to stop wasting time and resources targeting cops and start working with us to address real public safety issues."

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office declined to comment on the case.

Provenzano's acquittal comes amid a national debate over police use of force and the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Critics have argued that DA Bragg's office has been too lenient in prosecuting police officers, while supporters have defended Bragg's record as a reformer who is committed to holding officers accountable for misconduct.

The case has also raised questions about the role of police unions in protecting officers accused of misconduct. Police unions have been criticized for aggressively defending officers even when there is clear evidence of wrongdoing, but they argue that they are necessary to protect the rights of officers who are often unfairly targeted.

The acquittal of Provenzano is likely to further fuel the debate over police unions and the role of district attorneys in prosecuting police misconduct.