A Brooklyn police detective was formally charged on Tuesday with assault after allegedly striking a handcuffed detainee inside the 76th Precinct stationhouse, resulting in a broken orbital bone. The indictment was announced by Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and his office, who said the detective, identified as Raymond Ng, 51, attacked the prisoner while the individual was restrained.
The alleged victim, a 49-year-old man with no prior convictions, was reportedly in custody at the precinct when the incident occurred. According to the district attorney's statement, Ng struck the detainee, causing an injury to the eye socket that required medical attention. The assault is said to have taken place while the prisoner remained handcuffed, a detail that underscores the seriousness of the charge.
District Attorney Gonzalez emphasized that the indictment reflects the office's commitment to holding law‑enforcement personnel accountable for misconduct. The case will proceed through the criminal justice system, with prosecutors seeking to prove that Ng’s actions constituted a criminal assault despite the victim’s restrained status.
Ng, a veteran of the NYPD, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. The Brooklyn Police Department has not released additional details about internal disciplinary measures, but the indictment signals a formal legal challenge to the detective’s conduct.
The incident adds to ongoing scrutiny of police practices in New York City, particularly concerning the treatment of individuals in custody. The district attorney’s office indicated that the indictment was based on evidence collected during its investigation, though specific evidence was not disclosed.
The case is expected to move forward in the coming weeks, with the district attorney’s office preparing for trial. If convicted, Ng could face penalties associated with assault charges, including potential imprisonment and fines.