NYPD Cop Indicted for On-Duty Clashes with Civilians

Veteran officer Quran McPhatter charged with assault, misconduct, and more in two separate incidents in Brooklyn

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A 42-year-old NYPD officer named Quran McPhatter has been indicted on a 13-count indictment for alleged misconduct during two on-duty confrontations with civilians in Brooklyn. In one incident, McPhatter is accused of driving recklessly, bumping a bystander who confronted him, and then spraying pepper spray on the ground. In another, he allegedly assaulted a handcuffed suspect, including slapping him in the face.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about police accountability and the need for proper de-escalation training, as the officer is accused of responding to civilian complaints with force rather than following protocol. It also highlights the importance of maintaining public trust in law enforcement, especially in high-crime areas where community relations are critical to public safety.

The details

In the first incident on August 3, 2025, a photographer named A.B. Youssef spotted McPhatter driving recklessly through a crowded area of Sunset Park and confronted him. McPhatter allegedly responded by bumping Youssef with his car door and spraying pepper spray on the ground. Later, when Youssef went to the precinct to file a complaint, McPhatter confronted him again, pressing his chest against Youssef's and threatening to "knock him out." In the second incident on October 24, McPhatter and his partner arrested a 60-year-old man for trespassing. While transporting the handcuffed suspect, McPhatter allegedly snatched the man's glasses off his face and then slapped him in the face at the precinct.

  • On August 3, 2025, the first incident occurred in Sunset Park around 6:45 p.m.
  • On October 24, the second incident took place involving the arrest of a 60-year-old man.

The players

Quran McPhatter

A 42-year-old veteran NYPD officer who has been with the department since 2005 and is now facing a 13-count indictment for alleged misconduct.

A.B. Youssef

A photographer who confronted McPhatter for reckless driving in Sunset Park and later went to the precinct to file a complaint.

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What they’re saying

“If you're familiar, you know it's full of kids, people, dogs, everyone walking around. This one cop was driving like a maniac. I called him out for it. He started screaming at everybody to mind their business. So I demanded his badge number, and you can see what happens next.”

— A.B. Youssef, Photographer (Instagram)

“I'm not giving you nothing. Get out of my precinct.”

— Quran McPhatter (Instagram)

“This man put his body physically on my body and was pushing me out of the building. I did nothing wrong except demand that he identify himself.”

— A.B. Youssef, Photographer (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 26 whether to allow McPhatter to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for better police training and accountability, as the alleged actions of this officer undermine public trust and put community relations at risk, especially in high-crime areas where cooperation with law enforcement is critical to public safety.