Coronavirus Update: Black Mom to Sue City After Violent Arrest

After the violent arrest of Kaleemah Rozier was caught on video by a bystander in New York City, the 22-year-old mom says she plans to file a $10 million lawsuit against police for excessive force after the arrest for improperly wearing a face mask.

Rozier was wrongfully arrested for not properly wearing a face mask while on the subway platform, said her lawyer during a press conference this week.

Rozier recounted the incident inside the Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center station in Brooklyn on May 13 as she and her 5-year-old son were going home. She said was approached by several unidentified NYPD officers.

Police said Rozier was not properly wearing a face mask over her mouth and nose. When she was asked to put the face mask on properly or get “ejected from the station,” a NYPD spokeswoman said Rozier refused and cursed at the officers. Wearing a mask has been mandatory in New York since April to help slow the spread of the virus that has gripped the city for months.

As the incident continued on the second level of the train station, Rozier’s son was “pulled away from her”, she was forced to the floor and an officer placed a knee on the back of her neck. In a statement, Rozier says she was not resisting but sustained several injuries to her arms, neck, back and knees as she was placed in handcuffs by at least six police officers.

Police told a New York news outlet that after the arrest, Rozier threatened to cough on the officers. According to news reports, Rozier said that she made the threat, but it was only after police started following her through the station.

Rozier was held in a cell for about four hours and issued a ticket for three misdemeanors, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and harassment. She currently has no court date scheduled.

“No amount of money can substitute the psychological damage a 5-year-old child has suffered by watching his mother get brutalized by the NYPD,” Rev. Kevin McCall, a civil rights activist, said in a statement.

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The new minimum pay will extend to all hourly full-time and part-time workers at stores, distribution centers and headquarters.