The Syracuse Common Council approved settlements totaling $390,000 for two police brutality cases from a 2016 incident in Armory Square. The vote saw Councilors Pat Hogan and Marty Nave dissenting. Hogan believed the police acted appropriately, stating, "I felt the police handled the situation properly." Nave expressed discomfort after reviewing the case details.
Councilor Chol Majok, head of the public safety committee, supported the settlement due to the costly litigation and the injuries sustained by the victims. He remarked, "The city needed to resolve the costly litigation."
The settlements arose from a 2019 lawsuit filed by Kyle Williams and Rachel Chrysler, alleging excessive force by officers Gregory DiPuccio and Matthew Liadka during their arrest on September 9, 2016. According to the lawsuit, Williams and Chrysler were arrested without committing crimes, with Williams being repeatedly punched and kicked, resulting in jaw surgery and eye socket injuries. In the ambulance, Liadka allegedly assaulted Williams, causing further injuries. Additionally, Chrysler suffered wounds that required stitches after being tripped by officers, with Liadka reportedly aggravating her injury.
The lawsuit claimed that the officers fabricated charges against Williams and Chrysler. Williams, charged with resisting arrest, was acquitted after a trial. The case was settled on June 27, with Williams receiving $325,000 and Chrysler $65,000. The settlements await final approval from the Common Council.
Joe Moran, President of the Syracuse Police Benevolent Association, defended the officers, saying, "The force used by the officers was acceptable and reasonable given the circumstances," and justified their actions by describing Williams and Chrysler as unruly and non-compliant.
Officer Liadka has a history of involvement in two police shootings. In 2011, he shot a man wielding a stick during a domestic call, and in 2021, he was involved in a fatal shooting of a woman who attacked officers with a knife. Both incidents were deemed justified, and Liadka faced no charges.
Officer DiPuccio has faced litigation for multiple car accidents. In 2020, the city settled for $40,000 for a rear-end collision caused by DiPuccio, and in 2022, it settled for $700,000 for hitting a bicyclist. DiPuccio was disciplined for these incidents, losing furlough days. Both officers earned over $100,000 in 2023.
The Syracuse Police Department declined to disclose any disciplinary actions against Liadka or DiPuccio for the 2016 incident.
Link: Syracuse
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