Timothy Brown, the man seen being punched and dragged in a viral video, has officially filed a notice of claim seeking $100 million from the New York City Police Department. The lawsuit stems from an April 2026 incident where plainclothes detectives wrongfully arrested Brown after allegedly mistaking him for a drug dealer’s accomplice.
A Harrowing Incident of Mistaken Identity
On April 14, 2026, Timothy Brown entered a liquor store in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, to buy wine after finishing his shift as a security guard. Moments later, two detectives from the Brooklyn North Narcotics unit confronted him.
The surveillance footage, which has since been viewed millions of times, shows the officers punching Brown and dragging him across the floor through broken glass.
Brown, who was wearing green shorts that supposedly matched a suspect’s description, was ultimately cleared of all charges, but the physical and psychological scars remain.
How Wrongful Arrest by Police Leaves a Lasting Impact
Speaking publicly for the first time since the incident, Brown expressed the deep humiliation he felt during the encounter. “I was hated, disrespected, embarrassed, and I was brutally beaten for no reason,” Brown stated during a press conference.
Attorneys for Brown say he suffered a permanent injury to his leg from the incident and now has to use a cane. Brown told the press that he also has headaches and trouble walking straight following the beating. The $100 million will cover these losses and punitive damages as well.
The notice accuses not just the detectives who assaulted Brown but their supervisors of a pattern of misconduct. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the detectives have been stripped of their guns and shields, and the specific narcotics unit involved has been disbanded.
Fight for Your Rights with Police Brutality Center
The path to justice following an act of police violence is often long and intimidating. However, as the Timothy Brown case demonstrates, holding the powerful accountable is possible with the right legal support. Our partners, including Solomon Radner and Alex Straus, are dedicated to ensuring that victims of excessive force, wrongful death, and wrongful arrest receive the advocacy they deserve.
If you have experienced police brutality firsthand or have lost a loved one due to police misconduct, you may be eligible to file a civil lawsuit. Contact Police Brutality Center today for a free case evaluation.