NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Mayor Bill de Blasio said the NYPD has launched an investigation into allegations a Bronx teenager was shot with a taser and left bruised and bloodied by police during a night of protests and unrest last week.
Graphic photos released by the family of 16-year-old Jahmel Leach show the teen in a hospital bed following his arrest.
"I've spoken to Jahmel's family and I'm really troubled by what they told me," de Blasio tweeted Wednesday night.
"We're going to get them answers. The NYPD has launched an investigation into what happened," the mayor wrote.
Jahmel's family told the Daily News the teen was walking down Fordham Road while carrying a stick on the night of June 1—a night the area saw looting and arson amid citywide protests over the death of George Floyd—when he was shot with a taser and arrested.
He was reportedly taken to St. Barnabas Hospital and charged with 5th degree arson.
The NYPD alleges he was setting a fire during the protests. There's reportedly surveillance video of his arrest.
A statement from Yamil Miller, Jahmel's cousin, said the teen "was not involved in any acts of violence. He was shot with a taser three times to the head, leg and shoulder. He also is in danger of losing his teeth."
His family said he'd never been arrested before and that the NYPD didn't notify them as they're supposed to do in cases when a minor is arrested.
The family said they are "traumatized by this encounter" and are demanding legislators act.
The actions of the officers are reportedly under internal review by the NYPD.
"I want to see an investigation done in a matter of days," de Blasio said at his daily briefing Thursday.
"I met the young man. I met his family. I'm very concerned. I want to make sure we get the truth, and I want to make sure we follow through based on what the facts tell us," the mayor said.
Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza also commented on the incident in multiple tweets Wednesday night.
"Earlier this month, NYC Schools student Jahmel Leach sustained significant injuries—an injured jaw, and cuts, bruises, and swelling all over his body—allegedly in an incident with the NYPD. I am horrified. I know the NYPD is now investigating," Carranza wrote.
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