CHARGES FILED IN BEATING OF COURT OFFICER

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that two young Bronx men, one of whom was shot by an off duty court officer last April, have been charged with assaulting the officer.

Barry McManus, 17, of 1535 Taylor Avenue, and Ezekiel Cruz, 19, of 1131 Longfellow Avenue, have been charged with one count of Assault in the 3rd degree, in the beating of Ranji Singh, a 33 year old Housing Court Officer who was off duty when the alleged attack occurred. If convicted, the defendants face a term of up to one year in jail.

The misdemeanor assault charges were filed following a six month investigation by the New York City Police Department and Bronx District Attorney’s Office into the circumstances of the incident. The grand jury, after examining all of the available facts and the applicable law, including the defense & justification, declined to bring charges against the off duty court officer.

The incident occurred on April 22, 2004 in the Castle Hill section of the Bronx during a altercation involving Singh and a group of young people who were setting off fireworks. Singh was in the area to pick up his children from an after school program. He identified himself as a court officer and exchanged words with the young men concerning the danger of setting off the fireworks. As Singh attempted to get into his vehicle, McManus and Cruz allegedly began to punch and kick him. Singh withdrew his gun and fired, striking McManus twice, when the group of youths surrounded him. Singh drove immediately to the 43rd precinct to report the incident. There were no arrests in this case until charges were filed by the grand jury.

The case is being prosecuted by Supervising Assistant District Attorney Hannah Freilich of the Criminal Court Bureau.