NYC NOW - Morning Headlines: NYPD Officer Found Guilty of Assault, NY Liberty Star Jonquel Jones to Appear at Brooklyn Public Library

Episode Date: August 27, 2025

A Manhattan judge has found an NYPD officer guilty of assault and official misconduct for pepper spraying a man who was already handcuffed. Meanwhile, Liberty star Jonquel Jones is joining the Brooklyn Public Library for a children’s storytime Wednesday afternoon in Crown Heights.

Welcome to NYC Now, your source for local news in and around New York City from WMYC. It's Wednesday, August 27th. Here's the morning headlines from Michael Hill. A Manhattan judge found an NYPD officer guilty of assault and official misconduct for pepper spraying a man already handcuffed. WNYC Samantha Max reports. Prosecutors say the incident happened when Officer Philip Fiorinelli was working as a security officer at a parking garage. Surveillance video shows a man kicking a bike toward the officer and pulling him to the ground. Then Fiorinelli points his gun at the man.

The man lies on the ground with his hands behind his back and the officer cuffs him. Next, the video shows Fiorinelli sitting on the man's back, pulling off his hood and pepper spraying him. Body camera footage shows the man begging several officers for help as he lies on the ground with his face covered in pepper spraying. Please. I have a kidney problem, guys. Please. Do you want to sit up? Yes.

NYPD policy instructs officers only to use pepper spray when someone is actively resisting arrest or being aggressive. I'm burning. The police department says Fiorinelli has been fired. The president of the police union asked the judge to consider the other man's actions when Fierreonelli is sentenced. In a statement, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg says police should be held accountable when they break the law just like everyone else. Little fans of the New York Liberty are in for a special treat today at the Crown Heights Library. Last year's WNBA Finals MVP, John Quill Jones is joining forces with Brooklyn Public Library for a storytime event at the branch. The family-friendly event is scheduled for 4 o'clock this afternoon.

The library says Jones will read from some of her favorite. books and participate in songs and rhymes with children. I'd love to see that. Visitors can also sign up for a special edition library card celebrating the Liberty's 2024 WNBA Championship. The card features iconic team mascot Ellie the Elephant. Chili morning, low 60s and mostly clear in the city. Chilli are in the outlying areas.

Sunshine and 77 for a high in with a light wind and then tomorrow partly sunny, 79, calm wind. Friday, chances of showers and thunderstorms. sunny in 77, and then the holiday weekend. High times in the 70s with sunshine. Thanks for listening. This is NYC now from WNYC. Catch us every weekday three times a day for your top news headlines and occasional deep dives.

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