Former NYPD Officer Gets No Jail Time for Punching Black Man 13 Times During 911 Call

Christian Zapata, a former NYPD sergeant who punched an African American man from Harlem, New York City, thirteen times during a 911 call about an autistic child, was convicted of attempted assault but avoided jail time. He was sentenced to time served and acquitted of a more serious charge.

On December 7, 2022, police officers responded to a Harlem apartment to help with a 15-year-old autistic boy after his mother called for assistance. Jerome Collins, the boy’s father, asked officers to wear facemasks, but they refused. Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg said Collins was calm and posed “no immediate danger or physical threat,” according to the New York Post.

Tensions rose when Zapata accused Collins of interfering with medical workers. Bodycam footage shows Zapata warning Collins that he could be arrested. A struggle broke out when an officer grabbed Collins’ wrist, and Zapata punched him repeatedly in less than nine seconds while Collins’ girlfriend yelled for him to stop.

Other officers stepped in to stop the attack. Despite being handcuffed, Collins comforted his girlfriend and reassured his children, saying, “It’s all right. It’s all right.” His 8-year-old son could be heard crying in the background.

Police initially charged Collins with resisting arrest and obstruction, but both charges were later dropped. Zapata was suspended, demoted from sergeant to officer, and eventually resigned from the NYPD.

DA Bragg said holding law enforcement accountable is key to public safety and trust. “Police officers have challenging jobs and I have the utmost respect for our men and women in uniform, but the use of unlawful force cannot be permitted,” he added.