A dashcam video capturing Suffolk County police officers repeatedly punching a motorist in the face during an April traffic stop has sparked a federal civil rights lawsuit, with the driver’s attorney demanding criminal charges against the officers involved.
Traffic Stop Turns Violent
Craig Manning, a Long Island resident, was pulled over on April 2 in Medford, New York, for what officers claimed was an illegal left turn. The dashcam footage from Manning’s Fiat 500 shows him refusing to provide his license and registration until a supervisor arrived, choosing instead to record the encounter on his cellphone through a closed window. When Manning unlocked his car door, Officer Robert Rufrano immediately opened it, slapped the phone from his hand, handcuffed one wrist, and demanded he exit the vehicle.
The video captures Rufrano pulling the 6-foot-6 Manning across the center console toward the passenger side while Officer Samantha Skippon pulled from the driver’s side. Both officers yelled commands to stop resisting before Rufrano punched Manning in the face and head with a closed fist at least six times, knocking off his sunglasses. Manning raised his arms defensively and asked, “Are you having fun? Punch me again!” before Rufrano struck him once more. Additional officers arrived and dragged Manning from the vehicle.
Injuries and Criminal Charges
Manning’s attorney, Frederick Brewington, states his client suffered a concussion, two black eyes, a forehead laceration, and additional injuries from punches thrown by multiple officers. Despite being the victim of the alleged assault, Manning faced charges of resisting arrest and traffic violations. He pleaded not guilty on April 22. Suffolk District Court Judge John B. Zollo issued an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal during a Monday hearing, meaning charges will be dropped if Manning avoids legal trouble until June 22.
Federal Lawsuit Filed
Brewington and Manning held a press conference Tuesday in Hempstead, releasing the dashcam footage and announcing their federal lawsuit against Suffolk County Police Department and the involved officers. The suit alleges excessive force and civil rights violations. Brewington argues the traffic stop itself was unjustified, showing footage of Manning properly signaling, waiting for traffic to clear, and executing a legal left turn. Manning had installed the dashcam specifically because he feared aggressive police treatment while driving as an African American man.
Officer Rufrano’s police report from April 2 claims Manning was “flailing” his arms to avoid being handcuffed, justifying the closed-fist strikes to the head. The report does not specify how many times he punched Manning. Suffolk County Police declined to comment on the pending lawsuit, while the police union has backed the officers’ actions.