Criticism after body cam footage contradicts police in Brooklyn subway shooting

September 23, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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BROWNSVILLE — THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY, NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and other advocates put out scathing statements after viewing NYPD body cam footage released Friday which shows police officers shooting four people in the Sutter Ave. L subway station on Sept. 15. Shot in the melee were fare-beater Derell Mickles, two bystanders and a police officer. While police said Mickles “was advancing” at them with a knife, footage shows they actually fired as he stood still, his arms by his side.

“The surveillance and body-worn camera footage … completely contradicts the Department’s claim that Derell Mickles ‘charged’ at one of the officers,” Legal Aid said.

Public Advocate Williams, a Democratic mayoral candidate, blamed the “criminalization of mental health,” and years of law enforcement “setting their focus on fare evasion.” Bystander Gregory Delpeche, 49, remains in critical condition with brain damage, according to AP.

Mayor Eric Adams said before the videos were released that the officers should be commended for showing a “great level of restraint” — a comment Williams labeled “incredulous.”

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