Councilwoman Susan Zhuang, who faced criminal charges for allegedly biting NYPD Deputy Chief Frank DiGiacomo, had those charges dismissed after a restorative justice meeting. The meeting facilitated dialogue and amends between both parties. However, DiGiacomo has filed a civil lawsuit against Zhuang, claiming negligence and permanent injury, seeking unspecified damages. The situation arose during a protest against a homeless shelter, where Zhuang claimed to protect an elderly demonstrator. Zhuang has declined to comment on the lawsuit, and DiGiacomo has not responded to requests for comment.
The face-to-face and ultimate dismissal of the criminal charges was 'based on the wishes of the victim and the defendant's willingness to make amends,' Brooklyn DA spokesman Oren Yaniv said in a statement at the time.
Despite the apparent kumbaya moment, DiGiacomo is proceeding with the lawsuit accusing Zhuang of negligence and of leaving him 'permanently injured' and suffering from great 'trauma and distress,' court records show.
Collection
[
|
...
]