Ex-Con Who Assaulted Arresting Captain Gets Return Ticket to Jail

A man who assaulted a retired NYPD Captain in retaliation for his arrest six years ago was sentenced to a year in prison by a Queens Supreme Court judge.

ROY T. RICHTER: Must protect retired cops.

"I commend Justice [James] Griffin for the serious penalty he imposed on Joseph Manzi," said Captains Endowment Association President Roy T. Richter, adding that it "shows that our society will not tolerate revenge assaults on police officers for doing their job."

Threats Preceded Beating

Mr. Manzi assaulted Captain Charles Stravalle in June 2007 after he recognized the officer buying dinner at a take-out restaurant in Rego Park. "Do you remember me?" Mr. Manzi stated, according to the CEA. "I am the person you arrested when you were the Captain at the 112th Precinct. I know you are retired ... I know where you live ... I know you have a new baby." Captain Stravalle arrested Mr. Manzi in 2002 for having a falsified NYPD parking permit.

Mr. Manzi beat Capt. Stravalle to the ground, striking him repeatedly in the head, chest, arms and legs, causing injuries that needed medical treatment.

The incident sparked a cry for legislation to provide a stiffer penalty for criminals who attack former cops who arrested them. In May, State Sen. Frank Padavan introduced a measure in Albany to make such retaliation assault in the first degree, a felony. The bill never received a vote, but in July, 11 members of the City Council passed a resolution calling on the Legislature to pass the bill. "Retired police officers should be given extended protection by New York State for their tireless contributions towards public safety," the resolution read. It remains stuck in committee in Albany.

"I think we aimed too high with a Class B felony; it might be better to go with a D felony," said Mr. Richter, noting that would make the penalty akin to assault on a police officer.

'Public Obligation to Protect'

"Police officers are expected to place themselves in harm's way and commit acts of heroism to protect the people of this city," Mr. Richter said in April. "The people of this city have an obligation to seek aggressive prosecution of criminals who assault a police officer in revenge. This protection should be extended to retired police officers, because the criminals we arrest do not forget us. At times, like this case, they seek us out in retaliation for our public service."

Captain Stravalle is also pursuing a civil suit against Mr. Manzi for an unspecified amount of damages, according to his union.