NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — The NYPD is being accused of police brutality after video posted to social media showed a man being tased by police on a New York City subway train earlier this month.
The incident, which occurred at the 116th Street and Lenox Avenue station in Harlem around 6 p.m. on July 6, began after a man, identified as David Crowell, paid his fare and then opened the emergency gate for another man, allowing him to enter the station without paying.
Transit officers approached the two men and told them that they cannot go through the gate. The man who went through the gate apologized and went back out to pay the fare.
Police said when officers told Crowell that he cannot open the gate for others he became belligerent, allegedly cursing at, taunting and threatening the officers.
Crowell then boarded a 2 train and officers called in for backup after he allegedly refused to get off.
A struggle ensued on the train, resulting in one officer using his taser on Crowell, who was then taken into custody.
Black Lives Matter activist Anthony Beckford, who ran for City Council, tweeted cellphone video of the incident and has demanded the officers involved be fired immediately and charged.
Beckford told WNBC-TV that the response was "the textbook of police brutality."
In response, the NYPD tweeted body-camera footage of the confrontation.
"Body-worn camera footage shows the man cursing at officers, refusing to exit the train, & threatening them. With additional officers on scene, the man continued to resist arrest, prompting the use of a taser. He was subsequently taken into custody," the NYPD explained.
Crowell can be heard saying, "Suck my d---, I paid" and "F--- the police."
Police Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch defended the officers, speculating the man could have been a threat to passengers.
"On a daily basis, police officers are subjected to vile abuse by criminals who believe the anti-cop climate gives them a free pass. Insults alone don’t faze us, but when they cross over into threats of violence, we need to take action," Lynch said. "If this individual felt bold enough to threaten a group of uniformed cops, what is he going to do to those straphangers once the train doors close?"
Jennvine Wong, with the Legal Aid Society, told WNBC-TV that instead of more officers, money should be invested on footing the bill for MetroCards for those who can't afford them.
The 29-year-old Crowell is a known gang member with an extensive criminal history.
Crowell faces charges of resisting arrest, obstructing government administration, disorderly conduct and making obscene gestures and conduct.