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Teen Tasered and battered by NYPD cops ‘who mistook him for an adult because he’s so tall’ – The Sun
A TEEN was tasered and battered by NYPD cops who allegedly claimed they mistook him for an adult because he's so tall, his family claims.
Jahmel Leach, 16, was allegedly walking home and not taking part in the protests in New York City – but was left with facial fractures and a damaged jaw, the family's lawyer told CNN.
"They had no grounds to arrest him," lawyer Mark Shirian told CNN of the Bronx teen.
"Are we going to allow them to police the youth in that way?" he questioned.
The alleged incident came amid ongoing protests over the death of George Floyd, who died after a cop kneeled on his neck during an arrest.
A source told CNN that a teen was arrested after cops saw a person pour a liquid on a pile of trash and light it on fire.
Sharian said Leach denies allegations against him. He has not been charged, the lawyer said.
His family claimed in posts shared on social media that the officer who arrested him told his mother Daisy Acevedo they didn't know the boy's age.
"I'm sorry he is so tall I thought he was an adult when I took him down," the family claims the officer said.
Pictures show Leach in a hospital bed, his face and mouth bloodied.
Leach's family was only found out about his arrest when the Bronx hospital called them, Leach's cousin Yamil Miller told the New York Daily News.
Miller claimed to the Daily News that Leach was walking on the street as businesses were being targeted by looters amid protests.
As Leach was heading home, he was carrying a stick – when police tased him three times, Miller alleged.
The NYPD told CNN the matter is under internal review.
His family is demanding justice following the incident.
"Jahmel and his family is traumatized by this encounter and would appreciate if you exercise your authority as a legislator for the people to save him and our youth," the statement said.
"We are looking for JUSTICE."
NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio shared a statement on Wednesday after meeting with Leach's family.
"I’ve spoken to Jahmel’s family and I’m really troubled by what they told me," de Blasio tweeted.
"We’re going to get them answers."
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