Mcdevitt v. Suffolk County Et Al

Case Background

Plaintiff Michael W. McDevitt filed the Police Brutality lawsuit on July 14, 2020, in the New York State, District Court of Central Islip Division (Case number: 2:16cv4164). Judge Gary R. Brown was assigned to the case. Magistrate Judge Steven Tiscione was referred to the case.

Cause

On April 2, 2014, Michael W. McDevitt drove to 7 Hornleaf Lane in Holbrook, Suffolk County, New York, after receiving a distressed call from Brittney Barton, his son's girlfriend. Barton reported that someone was breaking down a door at the residence. Upon arrival, McDevitt observed a missing door that separated apartments in the multi-family housing unit. Suffolk County Police Officer Glenn Torquinio was already present outside with two other individuals. When McDevitt inquired about the missing door, Torquinio aggressively told him to "get the f*ck in the house." McDevitt complied, entering the apartment where Barton lived. Shortly after, Torquinio entered the apartment and began questioning McDevitt and Barton in the kitchen. When McDevitt responded to questions, Torquinio told him to "shut the f*ck up" and ordered him to leave. McDevitt explained he was responsible for Barton's well-being. Without warning, Torquinio suddenly struck McDevitt in the face with great force. He then proceeded to repeatedly punch and beat McDevitt all over his body, throwing him against glass doors in the kitchen. As the assault continued, McDevitt tried to shield himself and eventually lowered to the floor in a defensive position. Torquinio lifted McDevitt and threw him to the ground, continuing to punch and knee him in the back and side. McDevitt pleaded for Torquinio to stop and informed him of previous back injuries, but the officer disregarded his pleas. Barton screamed at Torquinio to stop, stating McDevitt had done nothing wrong. She began recording the incident on her cell