PBA defends cops in $20M Yonkers brutality suit

The Yonkers Police Benevolent Association president claims a man who filed a brutality suit against the police department is a violent gang member. PBA President Eddie Armour said Tuesday that Rui Florim,

News 12 Staff

Aug 5, 2008, 9:59 PM

Updated 5,914 days ago

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The Yonkers Police Benevolent Association president claims a man who filed a brutality suit against the police department is a violent gang member.
PBA President Eddie Armour said Tuesday that Rui Florim, 26, was the one who attacked an officer during a 2006 brawl at the Tyrone House bar. "Officer Light was beaten to the point of unconsciousness ? kicked, hit with a golf club and his wallet stolen," Armour said.
The PBA released pictures of officers who appeared to be bruised and beaten in the bar fight, and authorities confirm that they are still searching for suspects in that incident.
Armour claims to also have gas station surveillance video of Florim re-enacting the beating, however, police would not make the tape available. According to Armour, Florim is a member of the Hoover Street Boys, a well-known Yonkers gang, and has 10 prior arrests.
On Monday, Florim and his attorney announced a $20 million lawsuit against the department. According to Florim, six off-duty officers came to his job after the bar incident and took turns pummeling him until he blacked out. He claims they took him to a hospital, but prevented him from seeing his family.
"We don't engage in payback," Armour said. "Those officers went with one specific purpose - to place Rui Florim in custody," said Armour, who claims Florim resisted arrest.