Buffalo, NY – A Buffalo police officer has been sentenced to 12 months probation for his role in a videotaped beating of a suspect in 2014.
John Cirulli, a former officer with the Buffalo Police Department, was convicted of two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law.
The incident occurred on April 19, 2014, when Cirulli and his partner pulled over a vehicle being driven by the victim, who was suspected of speeding. The victim fled on foot, and a foot chase ensued.
After catching up to the victim, Cirulli and another officer took the victim to the ground. While the victim was handcuffed and under control, Cirulli struck the suspect in the head with his hand, struck him in the body with his boot, and struck him again in the head area with his hand.
The victim was then placed in the back seat of a police vehicle, where Cirulli struck him yet again in the face. The entire incident was captured on a cellular telephone by a passerby.
U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. praised the public for coming forward with evidence and stated, ‘This office will not hesitate to act when civil rights allegations are brought to our attention.’
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.
Cirulli’s actions do not reflect on the fine men and women of the Buffalo Police Department, who work daily to protect and serve the community.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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