Not guilty verdict for Bragg-indicted cop in Apple store punch

Today, a Manhattan judge found Police Officer Salvatore Provenzano not guilty of assault for a single punch he threw to protect himself from a repeat offender who was causing mayhem in an Upper West Side Apple store in 2021. Provenzano was indicted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office in July 2023, despite the fact that the suspect was not injured and two security guards who were eye witnesses were never called to testify before the grand jury.

PBA President Patrick Hendry said:

“Police Officer Provenzano was simply doing his job, trying to protect himself and the public from an individual who has repeatedly caused mayhem in places of business. We’re grateful that the court recognized that reality and acquitted him, but unfortunately a lot of damage has been done. A good, hardworking cop has been sidelined for nearly a year, and police officers across this borough are wondering if their careers will also be derailed by baseless charges. Manhattan prosecutors need to stop wasting time and resources targeting cops over nonsense and start working with us to address real public safety issues.”