An update on a story we reported yesterday — the continuing controversy surrounding the videotaped takedown and arrest of a 64 year old man in Columbus Park earlier this month. City Councilmember Margaret Chin had been scheduled to meet with the leadership of the 5th Precinct today to discuss the incident. We received word last night that the meeting has been cancelled. No explanation was given for the cancellation.
Police officers did attend a meeting at State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s office last week, which also included Wu Yizuo (the man who was arrested), Parks Department officials and representatives of Community Board 3. But the conversation was focused solely on procedures for obtaining Parks Department permits for musical events. The questions surrounding police conduct during the may 8th confrontation were not discussed.
The NYPD has had virtually nothing to say publicly about the ordeal, which has been the talk of Chinatown for more than a week. Presumably, the issue will have to be dealt with one way or another during the 5th Precinct’s Community Council meeting a week from Wednesday.
Shocking.