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WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (PIX11) — An NYPD detective believes he was racially profiled when he was attacked by three officers outside a Washington Heights night club two years ago.

In an exclusive interview with PIX11 News, Harold Thomas said he was attacked by fellow officers after a night of partying at La Marina night club in Manhattan with his son and friends.

The detective said the night took a terrible turn when he walked back to his SUV. Two uniformed officers approached him and said the Cadillac Escalade fit the description of a “shots fired” call.

Thomas said he quickly identified himself to the officers.

“I showed them both my ID and said I am Detective Harold Thomas,” he said.

The 28-year veteran detective had an official police plaque in the window of his SUV, his shield and his service weapon, but Thomas said the ordeal was far from over.

“[The third cop] spins me around, slams my head on the roof of my car, made a dent in the car, grabbed me by the seat of my pants, throws me head first.”

When more officers, including a lieutenant, arrived to the scene, Thomas said things got even more out of control.

“I said lieutenant can you take these cuffs of me, but he mushed me in the face and almost knocked me down,” Thomas said when the officer arrived to the scene. “I did not want to

get hurt bad.”

Thomas was charged with DWI, resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer, but they were immediately dismissed. He believes he was profiled and targeted because he is black. Since the incident, Thomas said he has not received an apology.

The incident changed Thomas. After going through hearings and departmental reviews, Thomas retired.

He is still proud of the work he has done throughout his career and still believes the NYPD is the best department in the country, but admits his trust in police officers has decreased.

 

Source: Pix11.com