Bronx resident alleges NYPD officer fractured jaw during arrest over double-parked vehicle
A Bronx man alleges that an NYPD officer fractured his jaw during a wrongful arrest over a double-parked car, leading to a personal injury complaint citing excessive force and racial discrimination.
In December 2024, 21-year-old Bronx resident, Jaylin Ryan, filed a personal injury complaint alleging that an NYPD officer fractured his jaw during a wrongful arrest related to a double-parked car. According to the complaint, Ryan had double-parked his mother's car near a fire hydrant to drop off a friend in Fordham Heights when multiple officers approached and requested his identification. Upon inquiring about the reason for this request, Ryan claims he was forcibly thrown against the vehicle and handcuffed by several officers.
Officer Histories Raise Concerns
During the incident, Sergeant Joel Ayala allegedly punched Ryan in the face, resulting in a fractured jaw that required surgical intervention, including the insertion of eight screws. Ryan was subsequently issued summonses for disorderly conduct and parking violations, all of which were later dismissed. The complaint accuses the officers involved of false arrest, excessive force, and racial discrimination.
Notably, both Sergeant Ayala and another officer present, Sergeant Brian Mahon, have histories of multiple substantiated complaints with the Civilian Complaint Review Board. The sergeant has faced 17 complaints since 2015, with five substantiated allegations involving abuse of authority. Mahon has 12 complaints since 2016, with five substantiated, including excessive force and providing false official statements.
Ayala with John Marines, a retired sargeant. Photo: Joel Ayala's IG Profile.
“This is what happens if you don’t give the police what they ask for”
The Sergeants Benevolent Association has stated its intention to defend against these allegations, citing body camera footage as evidence. Andrew Quinn, the union's general counsel, asserted that Ryan's claims are "flatly contradicted" by the footage and expressed confidence in a strong defense should the matter proceed to litigation. The NYPD has declined to comment due to pending litigation.
“This is what happens if you don’t give the police what they ask for; you’ll get punched in the face,” Sgt. Brian P. Mahon allegedly told Ryan, according to the complaint. Ayala’s punch allegedly fractured Ryan’s jaw, which required him to have eight screws put in his mouth, he told The Post. “It messed me up mentally and emotionally,” Ryan said.