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MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) --- An NYPD cop who was accused of punching a customer in a Manhattan Apple store two years ago was found not guilty on Thursday, authorities said.
In July 2023, Officer Salvatore Provenzano was indicted for assault after he was accused of slapping a man who was not under arrest in the Apple store at 1981 Broadway at 9 p.m. on Oct. 19, 2021, prosecutors said. The incident was caught on Provenzano’s body-worn camera, prosecutors said.
Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Judge Maxwell Wiley acquitted the officer after a bench trial that began on April 16, according to court records.
The cop has been sidelined for a year after he was suspended without pay following the incident, according to the Police Benevolent Association. Provenzano is currently on modified duty, according to an NYPD spokesperson.
“Police Officer Provenzano was simply doing his job, trying to protect himself and the public from an individual who has repeatedly caused mayhem in places of business. We’re grateful that the court recognized that reality and acquitted him, but unfortunately a lot of damage has been done," PBA President Patrick Hendry said in a statement.
Despite his ruling, the judge said the Manhattan District Attorney's Office was justified to charge the officer, according to the court decision.
“We work in close partnership with the NYPD every day and I have immense respect for the officers in uniform. I thank our prosecutors for their hard work, and Judge Wiley for his careful and thoughtful consideration of this matter,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement.
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