BRONX DA DARCEL D. CLARK RELEASES REPORT ON
USE OF FORCE BY POLICE AGAINST JAHMEL LEACH
23-Page Report Outlines Public Integrity Bureau’s Investigation and
Finding of No Criminality; Video Released
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today released the report on the investigation into the use of force against Jahmel Leach by the New York City Police Department in Fordham on June 1, 2020, as well as video of the incident.
Surveillance video obtained during the investigation shows Jahmel Leach, 16, in the vicinity of East Fordham Road and Morris Avenue on June 1, 2020 at approximately 9:00 p.m. Mr. Leach is seen among a crowd of people heel-kicking a T-Mobile storefront. Mr. Leach then moved to another spot and attempted to light debris on fire. NYPD Police Officer Kevin Hickey observed Mr. Leach and tasered him, causing him to fall to the ground and injure the right side of his face. Two other police officers approached Mr. Leach and each struck him once with a baton in the lower part of his body. Police then took Mr. Leach into custody and his case was processed in Family Court.
The investigation found no criminality on the part of the responding police officers, and it did not find that the force used to arrest and restrain Mr. Leach was excessive or otherwise unjustified.
District Attorney Clark said, “Many took to the streets peacefully to decry the killing of George Floyd, but violence and looting broke out in the Fordham area on June 1, 2020. In the midst of the chaos, NYPD Officers observed Mr. Leach allegedly trying to ignite a fire, which could have hurt the officers, people in the area and Mr. Leach himself. After a full investigation, we have concluded that there was no criminality on the part of three police officers.
“I support the right to peacefully protest, but I will not tolerate violence in our community. Neither will I tolerate police misconduct or brutality, and my Office will review and take seriously any such allegations from the public.”
Mr. Leach’s family and lawyer met with the Public Integrity Bureau today to be informed of the findings. District Attorney Clark thanked the Public Integrity Bureau for conducting a thorough investigation.
Link to video of the incident can be found on the final page of report.
Follow Us