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Police face civil rights suit in federal court

  • Writer: Thane Grauel
    Thane Grauel
  • Jun 27
  • 2 min read

By THANE GRAUEL

A Westchester County man has filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging the Lewisboro Police Department violated his state and constitutional civil rights after an arrest on June 6, 2022.

Carlos Bringas, whose hometown is not disclosed, alleges police “roughed him up” and placed him in a police vehicle with the engine off and windows up, with the temperature rising inside to about 100 degrees. Then, he alleges, he was beaten at the town lockup while in cuffs by an officer while others stood by and didn’t intervene.

The 25-page complaint was filed June 6 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York by Bringas’ lawyer, Hugh G. Jasne of White Plains. It demands a trial by jury.

The suit names the Lewisboro Police Department, Officer Drew Conetta and other entities as defendants.

Court records do not yet show who will represent the Lewisboro Police Department or any of the co-defendants.

A response to the complaint has not been filed on behalf of Conetta or the Lewisboro Police Department. Chief David Alfano could not be immediately reached for comment.

Municipalities and their agencies are involved in litigation fairly frequently, but suits in federal court are rare.

Bringas alleges in his complaint that Conetta and other officers came to his place of business, Vista Wines and Spirits, on June 6, 2022.

“Plaintiff and Conetta were well known to each other based upon previous encounters including unwanted sexual advances by Conetta toward Bringas’ fiance, who was also present,” the complaint states.

“When Defendant Officer Conetta arrived, in lieu of handling the situation in a calm manner, or, attempting to de-escalate the situation, Defendant Officer Conetta was abusive and aggressive toward Plaintiff. Conetta immediately decided Plaintiff was guilty of the claimed offense, was verbally abusive, ‘roughed him up’ and threw Plaintiff while he remained handcuffed in the Tahoe police vehicle.”

The suit states the Tahoe’s engine was off, so the air conditioning was, too. The windows were up.

“Upon information and belief, the Tahoe interior temperature reached well over 100 degrees,” the complaint states.

“Plaintiff Bringas was having trouble breathing due to the lack of air-flow, lack of air conditioning and the rising interior temperature,” the suit states. “As a result, fearing he was about to suffocate, Plaintiff Bringas attempted to exit the Tahoe and/or kick a window open, which proved impossible.”

Lewisboro sued Bringas for more than $7,000 in damages. Bringas’ suit called the claim “exaggerated and confected.” The damages lawsuit is pending.

At the police station, the suit continued, Bringas was booked, and while still cuffed, “without any justification, Defendant Officer Conetta repeatedly punched, struck and kicked Bringas.”

“Plaintiff Bringas was also assaulted while in LPD custody by other officers,” the suit states.

“As a direct and proximate result, Officer Conetta caused Plaintiff significant pain and discomfort, causing injury to Plaintiff and significant emotional distress.”

Bringas’ suit seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorney’s fees and “further relief as the Court sees just, proper and equitable under the circumstances.”

No hearing has yet been set.

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