An NYPD sergeant punched a man in the face more than a dozen times last December while answering a 911 call about an emotionally disturbed child inside a Manhattan apartment, according to an indictment announced Wednesday.
Officer Christian Zapata, 36, of the Bronx, faces a third-degree assault charge for allegedly hitting the 43-year-old victim 13 times in less than nine seconds after the man had asked cops to put on face masks on Dec. 7, 2022.
“Christian Zapata is charged with repeatedly punching a victim who posed no immediate danger or physical threat,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement announcing the indictment.
Zapata was a sergeant in the NYPD’s 32nd Precinct — which serves the northeastern part of Harlem — when he and fellow cops responded to the apartment, Bragg said.
The unidentified victim allegedly asked officers several times to wear masks over their faces when they came inside.
When they refused, he called 911 and sought a supervisor — to no avail.
The victim tried to check on the child, but Zapata said he was interfering with the medical workers and cops would arrest him if he kept it up.
NYPD Sgt. Christian Zapata was indicted for allegedly assaulting a man after a 911 call in December 2022. Steven Hirsch“Another officer began backing the victim down the apartment hallway,” Bragg’s statement said. “When the victim swatted the officer’s hand away, the officer grabbed the victim by both wrists and fully restrained him.”
“Though the victim was not posing any physical threat, Zapata allegedly stepped forward and punched the victim in the face and head more than a dozen times,” the statement continued.
Zapata allegedly punched the 43-year-old victim 13 times in less than nine seconds after he had asked the officers to put on face masks. Steven HirschTwo other cops pulled him away, ending the alleged assault.
The department later suspended Zapata and, in August, busted him down from sergeant to police officer.
Zapata was demoted from sergeant to officer after the alleged assault. Steven HirschAn NYPD spokesperson said Wednesday that Zapata had been suspended without pay, but did not comment further.
“We will continue to impartially investigate instances where members of law enforcement use unnecessary force, because doing so is essential for enhancing public safety and confidence in the criminal justice system,” Bragg’s statement said.
