D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment of NYPD Officer For Punching Victim Six Times And Knocking Him Unconscious


May 24, 2023

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., announced today the indictment of New York City Police Department Officer JUAN PEREZ, 42, for punching an individual in the face six times during an encounter in Greenwich Village in November 2021. The victim sustained a broken nose, bruising around the eyes and was knocked unconscious. PEREZ, who works in the 6th Precinct, is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Assault in the Third Degree. [1]

“As we allege, the defendant’s assault caused the victim to suffer substantial pain. Police officers are often put in challenging situations, but they must use their training appropriately and treat the residents of New York City with respect,” said District Attorney Bragg.

According to court documents and statements made on the record, on November 10, PEREZ and his partner responded to a radio transmission about an individual acting erratically on the corner of Bleecker and Sullivan Street.

As they were driving to respond to the original incident, they encountered the victim on MacDougal Street, who had also been acting erratically and was holding a bottle of alcohol. PEREZ told the victim to sit on a chair on the sidewalk and took the bottle from his hand.

The victim continued talking to PEREZ and repeatedly sought to stand up. PEREZ eventually called for an ambulance because he believed that the victim was intoxicated. Eventually, after a continued verbal back and forth, PEREZ pushed the victim against the wall and sought to handcuff him. Both PEREZ and the victim eventually fell to the ground and began to struggle with each other. PEREZ’S partner returned from the vehicle and helped subdue the victim. 

PEREZ then proceeded to rapidly punch the victim six times in the face, who was lying on the ground defenseless. He was brought to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a broken nose and significant swelling.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant D.A. Karl Mulloney-Radke, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Nick Viorst (Chief of the Police Accountability Unit). Investigative analyst Alexander Hempel is also assisting with the case.

Defendant Information:
JUAN PEREZ
Brooklyn, New York

Charged:

  • Assault in the Third Degree, a class A misdemeanor, one count

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.