NYPD Detectives Face Investigation After Violent Liquor Store Arrest in Brooklyn
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has issued a strong condemnation of two NYPD detectives who were captured on video brutally assaulting a man during an arrest at a Brooklyn liquor store on Tuesday afternoon. The disturbing footage, which has circulated widely on social media, shows the officers using excessive force against a suspect they incorrectly believed was involved in a drug sale.
Graphic Video Evidence of Police Violence
According to the NYPD, the detectives—identified as members of the Brooklyn North narcotics division—approached the man because he matched a description of a drug dealer. However, police later confirmed that the suspect "was not charged with any offense related to the sale of narcotics because it was later determined that he was not involved in the drug sale." The man was merely wearing similar clothing to the described dealer.
The video, posted on Instagram by user Sinistratm, shows the detectives repeatedly punching the suspect in the face and torso before pushing him into a shelf of wine bottles. The impact caused the bottles to shatter, creating a deep cut on the man's leg that began bleeding profusely. As a growing pool of blood formed on the floor, the officers continued their assault by dragging the suspect by his legs, kicking him, and stomping on him while he lay defenseless on the ground.
Official Responses and Immediate Actions
"The violence used by NYPD officers in this video is extremely disturbing and unacceptable," Mayor Mamdani declared in a statement posted on X. "Officers should never treat a person this way. The NYPD is conducting a full investigation into this incident."
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch echoed the mayor's sentiments, describing the footage as "deeply disturbing." She confirmed that both detectives have been stripped of their badges and firearms pending the outcome of an investigation by the NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau. This administrative action represents a significant step while authorities determine appropriate disciplinary measures.
Witness Accounts and Officer Identification
During the approximately seven-minute ordeal, witnesses gathered at the scene and could be heard chastising the detectives, with some calling them "pigs." The officers threatened to arrest multiple bystanders while shouting at the bleeding suspect to "stop resisting" and demanding he place his arms behind his back.
When asked for their names and badge numbers, one detective identified himself as "1032... Detective Algerio." The other officer responded aggressively: "My name is shut up! I'm trying to make a call right now because this guy is bleeding out!" However, the person recording the video managed to zoom in on the second detective's badge, clearly showing the number 5056.
Troubled Histories of the Involved Detectives
According to NYPD records, Detective Michael P. Algerio (badge 1032) joined the department in July 2012 and was promoted to detective in February 2022. Independent website 50-a.org, which compiles Civilian Complaint Review Board data, reveals Algerio has faced seven complaints containing 12 allegations—primarily for abuse of authority and excessive use of force. While only one allegation was substantiated, Algerio has been involved in two lawsuits alleging unjustified force that settled for a total of $38,090. One plaintiff claimed injuries from Algerio left them unable to walk for nine months.
The second officer, Detective Volkan Maden (badge 5056), has served with the NYPD since 2014 and received his detective promotion in 2024. His record shows 12 complaints with 51 allegations, 12 of which were substantiated—including seven cases of abuse of authority. Maden has been internally disciplined six times since 2022 and has been involved in three lawsuits that settled for $14,000 total. Plaintiffs have accused him of throwing people to the ground and repeatedly punching and kicking them, even after they were subdued.
Severe Injuries and Community Impact
A friend of the arrested man told the New York Daily News that he required multiple stitches for the deep gash in his leg caused by the broken wine bottles. His nose was also broken during the violent arrest. "The detectives that did this, they're known out here," the friend revealed. "It's just this is the first time that someone was smart enough to film from start to finish."
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about police accountability and the use of force within the NYPD, particularly involving officers with documented histories of complaints. As the investigation continues, community members and officials alike are calling for transparency and appropriate consequences for what appears to be a clear case of excessive force against a misidentified individual.
