An NYPD officer, Lt. Jonathan Rivera, is awaiting a potential disciplinary ruling following a fatal 2019 Bronx traffic stop incident. Rivera is under scrutiny by the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), New York City’s police watchdog, which alleges that Rivera used unnecessary force, resulting in the death of Allan Feliz, 31. The incident occurred after Rivera and two officers pulled over Feliz, initially suspecting him of not wearing a seatbelt. However, body camera footage later confirmed that Feliz was in compliance.
Details of the Incident
During the stop, Rivera’s team requested that Feliz exit his vehicle after he presented an ID belonging to his brother, who had outstanding warrants. When Feliz returned to the driver’s seat and attempted to drive away, officers struggled to restrain him, using both punches and a Taser. Rivera ultimately climbed into the vehicle and fatally shot Feliz once in the chest. An expert for the CCRB argued that Rivera escalated the situation by entering the vehicle and that lethal force was unwarranted as the car was stationary.
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Review Board Findings and Next Steps
The CCRB previously determined that Rivera’s actions violated NYPD protocols, and it seeks his termination. Despite the New York Attorney General’s decision not to file criminal charges, police disciplinary trials use a lower standard of proof. The NYPD’s Deputy Commissioner of Trials, Rosemarie Maldonado, is expected to make a recommendation to Police Commissioner Tom Donlon, who holds the final decision. Historically, NYPD commissioners have at times disregarded the CCRB’s recommendations, leaving uncertainty over Rivera’s fate.
Family’s Response and Expert Testimony
Feliz’s family maintains that Rivera acted recklessly and escalated the situation out of a perceived challenge to his authority. Expert testimony emphasized that Rivera’s tactics endangered both Feliz and the officers on scene. The officer’s defense team argues that Rivera feared for his fellow officers’ safety when the vehicle began moving. The tragic incident has sparked calls for reform and accountability in NYPD use-of-force policies, as families seek justice for lives lost in the line of duty.
