NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- New York City Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch said “we need help” after video showed an officer in a brutal fight with a man inside a Brooklyn store.
Lynch released the footage from the Target store at Atlantic Terminal on Flatbush Avenue, calling it “disturbing.”
According to police, the incident happened Tuesday at about 2 p.m. involving an officer on paid detail at the store.
That officer tried to bring a situation under control involving a man who was throwing items off shelves, police said. But that man then allegedly menaced the officer with a metal water bottle.
The man continuously made threats toward the officer and became physically aggressive, leading to a struggle between the two, police said.
Video released by the PBA shows the fight on the floor of the store, with the officer kicking his way back to his feet before the suspect throws him back onto the floor.
The man punched the officer in the face, and had to be pepper-sprayed. Patrol officers responded to the scene and arrested the man.
That man is identified by police as Henroy Johnson, 44, of Manhattan. He’s charged with assault, menacing, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct.
Lynch voiced concerns about the crowd reaction to the video.
“We have a police officer in distress, & nobody helps him. Is this the city we want? Has this become normal? It has to stop. We need your help. We need your help on the street, & we need your help to force our reckless elected officials to do their job,” Lynch said.