A newly filed federal lawsuit has ignited outrage across New York City after video footage allegedly showed NYPD officers striking a Black man riding a scooter, launching him into the air, and then falsely claiming he crashed into their patrol car. The shocking footage, which surfaced earlier this month, directly contradicts the officers’ account — and now city officials are facing urgent calls for accountability.
According to the suit filed in Manhattan federal court, the incident occurred in Harlem in July 2024. The plaintiff, 31-year-old Malik Henderson, was on his way to work when an unmarked police SUV swerved into his lane and hit him at full speed. Henderson was thrown several feet into the air before landing on the pavement, suffering multiple fractures and a concussion. Witnesses who recorded the incident with cellphones captured officers allegedly detaining Henderson as he lay injured, accusing him of “striking the vehicle.”
The Incident and Officers’ Alleged Lie
In the complaint, Henderson’s attorneys state that moments after the crash, one officer could be heard saying, “He ran into us,” despite clear video evidence showing the vehicle making a sharp turn directly into the scooter. The footage, which quickly went viral on social media, appears to undermine the officers’ statements filed in the official report.
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The NYPD initially defended the officers involved, claiming Henderson was driving erratically and ignored orders to stop. However, following the video’s release, that narrative has come under fire. The officers reportedly attempted to charge Henderson with reckless driving, resisting arrest, and property damage — charges that prosecutors dropped days later after reviewing the footage.
What the Lawsuit Claims
Henderson’s lawsuit accuses the NYPD and the individual officers of assault, battery, fabricating evidence, and violating his civil rights under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments. The suit also alleges a pattern of cover-ups within the department involving similar incidents of excessive force against Black and Latino residents.
“Instead of protecting the community, these officers weaponized their badges to justify violence and invent a false story,” said Henderson’s attorney, Lisa Moreno, in a statement. “If not for the video, my client might be sitting in jail rather than recovering in a hospital bed.”
Moreno’s legal filing also points to internal NYPD training documents showing that officers are explicitly warned against using patrol vehicles to block or strike fleeing suspects — a practice known to cause severe injuries or death. The complaint asks for $20 million in damages and demands disciplinary action against the two officers involved.
NYPD Response and Internal Affairs Probe
The NYPD issued a brief statement acknowledging awareness of the lawsuit but declined to comment on details, citing the ongoing investigation by the department’s Internal Affairs Bureau. “The matter is under review,” an NYPD spokesperson said. “We take all allegations of misconduct seriously.”
According to city officials, both officers have been placed on modified duty pending the outcome of the investigation. Sources inside the department indicate that body camera footage was recorded during the incident, but it has not yet been released to the public.
Community and Political Reactions
Community leaders and civil rights groups have sharply condemned the alleged cover-up. Reverend Alford James, a Harlem pastor and longtime police reform advocate, said the case reinforces concerns about “a broken culture of impunity” within the NYPD.
“Every time we’re told it’s just one or two bad apples, another video comes out proving it’s a much deeper problem,” James said. “The system protects itself until the truth leaks out.”
Mayor Eric Adams has not yet issued a direct comment on Henderson’s case but noted during a press briefing that “transparency and accountability are essential.” He emphasized the importance of allowing the investigation to proceed before drawing conclusions.
Meanwhile, the city’s Civilian Complaint Review Board confirmed it has opened a parallel inquiry.
Pattern of Similar Allegations
This incident is the latest in a string of lawsuits accusing NYPD officers of using their vehicles as weapons during traffic stops or pursuit incidents. In several previous cases, video evidence contradicted officers’ accounts, leading to dismissed charges and settlements paid by the city.
Between 2020 and 2024, the city reportedly spent more than $200 million in legal settlements related to police misconduct and wrongful injury claims. Civil rights attorneys say these lawsuits reveal systemic issues that city reforms have yet to resolve.
“These cases almost always follow the same pattern — force is used without justification, the victim is blamed, and the truth only surfaces when a camera catches it,” said Jeffrey Tolan, a former assistant district attorney now specializing in police misconduct litigation.
Henderson’s Recovery and Public Support
Henderson, who worked as a delivery driver before the crash, is still undergoing physical therapy and has moved temporarily to stay with family members in Queens. He described the experience as “traumatic and life-changing.”
“I thought I was going to die that day,” Henderson said in a recorded interview shared by his lawyers. “Then they tried to make it look like it was my fault. If the video hadn’t been taken, nobody would have believed me.”
Supporters have organized rallies outside City Hall, demanding the immediate suspension — and possible criminal prosecution — of the officers involved. Several advocacy groups, including Communities United for Police Reform, have joined calls for an independent oversight body to handle serious misconduct claims.
Broader Implications for NYPD Accountability
The case has once again reignited debate over the effectiveness of NYPD oversight and the role of citizen videos in exposing wrongdoing. Public advocacy groups argue that without civilian recordings, many such incidents would go unnoticed.
Experts suggest the lawsuit could add pressure for new reform measures, including mandatory release of body camera footage within 48 hours of use-of-force incidents and increased transparency in internal investigations.
“The video is what changed the narrative,” said Tolan. “It reminds us why cameras — whether worn by police or carried by citizens — have become the strongest check against police abuse.”
As Henderson’s legal team prepares for court proceedings, public attention remains focused on whether the NYPD will discipline the officers or continue to defend them in court. The city’s Law Department is expected to file its official response next month.
For now, Henderson says he wants justice — not just for himself, but to ensure no one else endures the same treatment.
FAQ
Who is Malik Henderson?
Malik Henderson is a 31-year-old Black man from Harlem who claims NYPD officers deliberately struck him with their vehicle, causing severe injuries.
What does the lawsuit allege?
It alleges excessive force, fabrication of evidence, and civil rights violations, asserting that officers lied about the crash.
What evidence supports his claim?
A bystander’s cellphone video, now widely circulated online, appears to show the NYPD vehicle swerving into Henderson’s scooter.
Has the NYPD commented?
The NYPD confirmed an internal investigation is underway but declined to discuss details pending review.
What happens next?
The case will proceed through federal court, while internal NYPD investigations determine disciplinary or criminal consequences for the officers involved.
