Cops launch probe into Kensington brawl that drew complaints of police brutality

Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey's call for transparency in police behavior may be getting its first test.

An investigation is under way into a brawl on Saturday night - involving as many as 200 people in the Aces Borincanos Dance Club, in Kensington - that brought complaints of police brutality from about 20 people.

Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross, head of the police Internal Affairs Bureau, said the department is vigorously investigating the situation, which resulted in the arrest of 18-year-old Robert Molina, who was charged with assaulting a police officer.

"About 11:20 Saturday night, police were flagged down by a passer-by, who said there was a large fight on the highway," Ross said. "When the first responding officers went there, they weren't able to control the crowd, so they called in additional resources. Several cops responded. At some point shortly thereafter, an officer gets assaulted."

Ross acknowledged that some people who have complained of police brutality were hurt in the confrontation. But he said it had not been determined how they were wounded.

"Several people appear to have injuries stemming from the confrontation," Ross said. "We have evidence which substantiates the injuries, but we have yet to determine how they were sustained.

"Clearly, we have some concerns, based on the complaints that were lodged."

Ross said Internal Affairs is diligently investigating the claims of partygoers who said they were struck by police batons.

Ross said officers from the 26th District were the first to respond, and that once the assist call went out, officers from the 24th and 25th districts also may have rushed to the scene.

All told, about 50 police officers may have been on the scene, but only a portion may have been involved in the altercation, he said.

"We are deeply disturbed by any allegations of physical abuse," said Ross. "We are in the process of thoroughly investigating this incident, and we are leaving no stone unturned and will let the chips fall where they may."

Ross said that some in his department have offered bits of information, but that investigators could use more information - from officers and citizens alike.

"We are hoping that civilians or police with information will contact us, and I do stress 'police'," Ross said. "While we're clearly not saying anything happened or didn't in terms of misconduct, we have some concerns."