NYPD faces criticism for allowing lieutenant to retain job following brother’s death during a car stop incident.

The decision by NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch to retain Lt. Jonathan Rivera, an officer involved in the fatal shooting of motorist Allan Feliz in the Bronx six years ago, has provoked significant criticism from the victim’s family. In the wake of this ruling, Sammy Feliz, Allan’s brother, articulated his discontent, labeling the action as a profound affront to law enforcement and the principles of justice.

Allan Feliz’s family has expressed deep emotional distress following the commissioner’s decision, which comes after a series of legal proceedings and internal evaluations related to the officer’s conduct during the incident. The confrontation began in October 2019 when Rivera, along with officers Edward Barrett and Michelle Almanzar, stopped Feliz for not wearing a seatbelt near Woodlawn Cemetery. During the traffic stop, it was noted that Feliz had provided the officers with his brother’s driver’s license, which revealed three minor warrants against Sammy, including charges for spitting and disorderly conduct.

Tension escalated rapidly when Rivera and his colleagues attempted to remove Feliz from his vehicle. Eyewitness accounts and body camera footage indicate that as Feliz accelerated his Volkswagen in an attempt to flee, Rivera deployed his Taser. A physical struggle ensued, culminating in Rivera discharging his firearm, resulting in Feliz’s death at Montefiore Medical Center shortly thereafter. Rivera maintained that his actions were motivated by a belief that Feliz posed an imminent danger to Officer Barrett.

In 2020, New York State Attorney General Letitia James cleared Rivera of criminal charges, while simultaneously casting doubt on the tactics employed by the officers during the encounter. After a departmental trial earlier this year, Rivera was found guilty of first-degree assault, with a recommendation for termination from Deputy Commissioner Rosemarie Maldonado. However, Commissioner Tisch ultimately concluded that Rivera acted within departmental guidelines and justified his use of force as necessary under the circumstances.

This decision has left the Feliz family feeling unsafe and betrayed, as indicated by Sammy Feliz’s statement highlighting his ongoing fear and concern for public safety. Furthermore, advocacy groups and local leaders are rallying for accountability and reform. Yul-san Liem, deputy director of the Justice Committee, announced plans for a protest alongside the Feliz family to demand a reversal of Tisch’s decision. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams also voiced her opposition, arguing that the commissioner’s actions undermine public trust in law enforcement.

As the Civilian Complaint Review Board reviews Tisch’s findings, community advocates emphasize the need for systemic change within the police department, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future. The outcome of this high-profile case remains crucial not only for the Feliz family but also for broader discussions on police accountability and community safety in New York City. Media News Source.