New York City councilman accused of biting police officer
NEW YORK — A New York City council member was arrested Wednesday and accused of biting a police officer.
Brooklyn Democrat Susan Chuang was detained during a chaotic protest against the construction of a new homeless shelter in her district, police said.
Images and videos posted on social media showed police and protesters clashing at the proposed homeless shelter site. In one video, a woman believed to be Chuan can be seen with other protesters trying to pull a barricade away from police as officers attempt to handcuff her. Another video shows Chuan, handcuffed, being led away by police.
Police, citing an arrest report, said Zuan blocked officers from reaching a woman on the ground, shoved an officer down and bit an officer when he tried to grab her. A police spokesman said Zuan was charged with assault, resisting arrest and obstruction. At an unrelated press conference Wednesday afternoon, NYPD Commissioner John Chell identified the officer as his deputy commissioner.
Zhuang’s office declined to comment.
Chell described Juan as a “great partner” with the NYPD for many years, but said he “cannot explain the allegations right now.”
Zhuang posted a video on social media site “X” early on Wednesday that appeared to show people arguing with police over whether construction permits had been issued at the site.
A spokesman for the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office said Zhuang had not yet been charged as of Wednesday afternoon.
