Opinion ID: 566316
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Events According to the Complaints

Text: 2 According to the initial and proposed complaints, Alfred Ricciuti (Alfred) and his nephew Daniel Ricciuti (Daniel) are New Jersey residents who, on the afternoon of April 30, 1989, went to a ball game at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. As the Ricciutis walked along the crowded street after leaving the stadium, Watson, a New York City Corrections Officer who was not in uniform, and Alfred accidentally bumped into one another. Plaintiffs stepped aside to allow Watson to pass, which he did. A few steps later, Watson ran back and proceeded to assault Alfred, striking him in the face, knocking him to the ground, and menacing him with a handgun. After this beating, Watson departed, leaving Alfred dazed, and Daniel went to retrieve plaintiffs' car. Watson soon returned with Lopez, a TA Police Officer. Lopez, without inquiry, threw Alfred against a wall, searched him, and arrested him. Watson and Lopez took Alfred to a nearby TA police station, followed by Daniel. During that trip, Lopez turned and kicked Daniel, without provocation, accusing him of following too closely. 3 At the police station, where Wheeler, a TA Police Lieutenant, was in charge, Alfred attempted to file a complaint for assault against Watson. Wheeler refused to allow him to do so. While Daniel was waiting, Watson threw him against a wall in the station and placed him under arrest as well. Wheeler and Lopez witnessed Watson's conduct and did nothing to impede, correct, or criticize it. Both plaintiffs were charged with felonious assault in the second degree and the misdemeanor of aggravated harassment. They were jailed overnight until their arraignments on May 1. Thereafter, all of the charges against them were dismissed by the court. 4