A group of New York residents has filed a lawsuit against the City of New York, alleging that they were wrongfully arrested and subjected to an unlawful search in violation of their constitutional rights.
According to the lawsuit filed by plaintiffs Ramel Bradford, Claribel Rosa, Michael Davis, Robert Austin, and a minor identified as R.D., the incident occurred on January 23, 2025, at Rosa’s apartment in Kings County. While Rosa was cooking and others were engaging in leisure activities, police officers allegedly entered the apartment without a warrant or consent. The plaintiffs state that officers handcuffed and detained them without providing justification or issuing Miranda warnings. The apartment was allegedly left in disarray, with personal belongings damaged or destroyed.
The lawsuit brings claims of false arrest, unlawful detention, excessive force, negligence, and violations of rights under the Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The plaintiffs allege that these actions caused emotional distress and personal injury, and that the City of New York failed to adequately discipline the officers involved.
The complaint seeks compensatory and punitive damages for causes of action including false arrest and imprisonment, assault and battery through excessive force, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The plaintiffs demand a jury trial.
The plaintiffs are represented by attorney Patrick Ike O’Keke of O'Keke & Associates P.C. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Civil Action No. 1:25-cv-03445.