The boyfriend of the lady who was knocked to the ground by an NYPD officer on Tuesday was charged with drug and weapon violations and quietly appeared in court overnight.
Tamani Crum was attempting to defend Elvin James, 22, when she confronted NYPD cops in Harlem on Tuesday.
Detective Kendo Kinsey was struck in the face by her after she slammed his head and shoulders with her hands.
The disturbing encounter was captured on camera by a witness and yesterday, as yet another alleged instance of police violence, went viral on social media.
Mayor Eric Adams of New York City and the police unions, however, support the detective.
They assert that the video shows just how bold criminals have become and that the young lady had no right to try to stop them.
She was detained yesterday night following her court appearance and was charged with obstruction. On October 11, she will appear in court once again. Her lover is still in jail after posting a $300,000 cash bail.
One of the biggest police unions in the nation, the Detective Endowment’s Association, supported the detective.
In a statement released last night, Union President Paul DiGiacomo said: “Criminals in NY have gotten used to the fact that there are no repercussions for their risky, illegal actions, but there are repercussions when you assault a New York City Detective to obstruct an arrest of a man carrying a gun.”
“We implore lawmakers to open their eyes and see the catastrophe they have wrought in public safety.”
James was being sought by Kinsey for attempted murder at the time.
Although the specifics of that incident are still unknown, James is reportedly one of the men who took part in the shooting on August 12.
Police harassment and cruelty have been condemned by Crum’s family. They claim they want to sue the city and that Rev. Al Sharpton is supporting them in their cause.
He said that Kinsey “brazenly punched” the lady yesterday.
‘As for Al Sharpton’s absurd statements, he should be concerned about the thousands of genuine crime victims in this city and not the attention and the lining of his wallet,’ said DiGiacomo in reaction on Thursday.
In an interview with NBC on Wednesday night, Tamani’s mother said that the police should “never have handled” daughter in the manner in which she was. Above is a picture of the 19-year-old.
A veteran police officer who spent 30 years working in law enforcement on the outskirts of Chicago, Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith, told DailyMail.com that any criticism should be aimed against Crum rather than the officer.
The choice to enter a potentially deadly scenario was taken by Tamani Crum, a 19-year-old adult, while NYPD investigators and policemen tried to apprehend a wanted murder suspect who was carrying a loaded gun. The footage makes it obvious that she obstructed a valid arrest.
Det. Kinsey attempted to push her out of the way and divert her at first, but she insisted on grabbing at his arm and he was forced to use more force.
Politicians in New York often discuss “cutting gun violence,” yet in situations like these, they just serve to make things worse.
Law enforcement officers in New York and elsewhere are finding themselves the victims of ongoing and unwarranted attacks in various places, often with no penalties for the criminals. We hope the Detectives Endowment Association pursues the legal case they are contemplating.
‘In this situation, the fury should be focused at Tamani Crum for attempting to obstruct the arrest of a dangerous gun offender, at Al Sharpton for threatening legal action, and at the choice to charge Det. Kinsey with a felony for just defending his neighbourhood and carrying out his duty.
There has been enough.
According to Professor Keith Taylor, who formerly oversaw Internal Affairs for the NYPD, Kinsey’s actions were “terrible but legitimate” as the video demonstrated.
She is actively involved, and in this instance, it involves attacking the officer. He returns the favour. We must allow the investigators to perform their work and review all the supporting documentation.