Haverstraw Police Sergeant on Leave After Grabbing Teen by Neck

Incident at Bodega Following Festival

• 🌃 Surveillance footage captured an incident after the United Latin Festival and parade in Haverstraw on Sunday night.
• 🚨 Police were present, urging young people to leave a Bodega along Broadway.

Altercation and Officer's Actions

• 💥 An exchange between an unidentified Haverstraw police sergeant and a 17-year-old escalated violently.
• ✋ The sergeant is seen grabbing the teen by the neck and pushing him against a store window.

Official Response and Investigation

• 🚫 The sergeant has been placed on paid administrative leave.
• 🗣️ Town supervisor Howard Phillips stated the officer's actions were completely inappropriate.
• ❓ The incident occurred amidst 59 arrests that night, with this teenager's arrest cited for disorderly conduct.

Witness Accounts and Potential Triggers

• 👂 Witness Gene Polard claims the officer reacted after the teen said, "You're not my father."
• ⚠️ Confusion arose regarding whether the teen had a gun, after an officer's clip fell from his holster.
• 📰 Haverstraw police declined to comment, referring inquiries to a public information officer who is on vacation.