The New York Police Department has released new video footage that appears to show the woman who was controversially arrested by plainclothes officers in Manhattan after she allegedly damaged the city’s surveillance cameras on five separate occasions, authorities said .
New York Police Department chief of detectives Rodney Harrison shared the video Wednesday showing a person who appears to be the woman, identified by various social media accounts and reports as an 18-year-old transgender woman named Nikki Stone. , allegedly damaging police cameras with spray paint. and a broom, among other items.
“New York police welcome peaceful protests,” states a message included in the 49-second video. “However, damage to NYPD technology that helps keep this city safe will never be tolerated. These cameras are vital resources that help prevent and solve crimes throughout the city. “
Stone’s arrest Tuesday sparked an uproar on social media and among some public officials and elected officials who questioned why she was detained during a protest, and why she was taken to an unmarked minivan.
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The video of Stone’s arrest circulated on social media showing that she was led by plainclothes police officers during a protest in the Second Avenue and East 25th Street area, as more officers order bystanders to stay behind.
In a series of statements released after the arrest, police said Stone “was wanted for damaging police cameras during 5 separate criminal incidents in and around City Hall Park.”
Police also said officers at the scene were “robbed with stones and bottles.”
Stone was released hours later on charges of criminal mischief and graffiti for alleged camera damage, which police say occurred in June and July.
During his daily press conference on Wednesday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio was asked why it was “specifically desirable” for the NYPD to make the arrest at the time and place he was executed. .
“It was not specifically desirable to do so,” he said, then added: “I think it was the wrong time and the wrong place to make that arrest … No one is allowed to damage police property.” That is a real offense, it is an offense that can lead to an arrest, and my message to everyone: if you are protesting outside, protest peacefully. ”
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When asked about the New York police statement that the officers had been mugged with bottles and rocks, which some reports have disputed, de Blasio said he did not yet have details on the claims.
“Unfortunately, I have seen a lot of evidence that stones were thrown at officers, bottles were thrown at officers, all kinds of efforts to harm officers,” he said, noting that the “vast majority” have been peaceful. “The few family members who have been involved in violence have created a problem for everyone … in this particular case, we should definitely review it. If there is something that is not accurate, we must correct it.”
NYC Protests social media posts, a Twitter account documenting demonstrations based on the Big Apple and related events, indicate that Stone frequented the Occupy City Hall camp before it was dismantled earlier this month.
Police said 11 other people were arrested Tuesday, 10 of whom were men accused of obstructing the government administration. The eleventh person, a woman, was charged with criminal mischief. All were fined for filing, police said.
Police information indicates that Stone lived in Chinatown, approximately two miles from where she was arrested, but several reports and a GoFundMe page purportedly created for Stone show that she is homeless.
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The Daily Mail reported that a fundraising page called “Housing for Sticks” was created to help Stone, who, according to the GoFundMe page, “needs housing within the next two weeks.”
“You need money to rent for several months, as you find a stable source of income,” says the page. As of noon, more than $ 25,500 had been raised.
