Yanny Cordero: NYPD Altercation with Migrant in Queens Shelter

New York City Mayor Defends NYPD Officers’ Actions in Violent Altercation at Shelter

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has expressed his support for the actions taken by NYPD officers during a recent violent altercation at a city-operated shelter in Queens involving a migrant. The incident, which was captured on video and widely circulated, showed officers using force against 47-year-old Yanny Cordero, who was holding his 1-year-old child at the time.

According to a police source cited by ABC-owned station WABC-TV, the use of a stun gun on Cordero was described as a “dry stun,” a method that minimises the risk to the child by not firing probes. Thankfully, the child was unharmed during the altercation.

The NYPD responded to a call on March 8 reporting an intoxicated and disorderly male who was threatening staff members at the shelter. Cordero allegedly refused to comply with police instructions to hand over the child, leading to the escalation of the situation.

The New York Times reported that Cordero denied being intoxicated, claiming he had work the following day. However, a criminal complaint obtained by ABC News alleges that he resisted arrest by tensing his body and flailing his arms.

The video footage of the incident shows multiple officers restraining Cordero, with one officer seen punching him in the face while he was pinned to the ground. Onlookers can be heard expressing concern for Cordero’s well-being, questioning the use of force by the officers.

Cordero’s wife, Andrea Parrar, also became involved in the altercation and was arrested for allegedly interfering with the arrest. The couple’s other two children, aged 3 and 5, were reportedly present during the incident.

Following the incident, Cordero was charged with multiple offences, including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and endangering the welfare of a child. Parrar faced charges of resisting arrest and obstructing government administration.

Mayor Adams’ office confirmed that the family has been reunited and relocated to a new shelter in Brooklyn. An investigation into the incident is currently underway, although the specific agency leading the inquiry has not been disclosed.

During a press conference, Mayor Adams defended the actions of the officers, stating that they acted appropriately in a volatile situation to ensure the safety of the child. However, the New York Immigration Coalition has criticised the use of force in the incident, calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.

In response to the incident, the New York Immigration Coalition President and CEO, Murad Awawdeh, emphasised the importance of culturally competent shelter staff and called for a comprehensive investigation into the use of force by the NYPD officers involved.