THE BRONX — The family of an emotionally disturbed man who died after being tased by an NYPD sergeant plans to sue the city for $10 million, according to a notice of claim filed with the city comptroller’s office.
Ariel Galarza, 49, was acting violently in his Pelham Bay home at 1840 Mayflower Ave. on Nov. 2 around 5:35 p.m. when three uniformed police officers and Sgt. William Morris arrived and confronted him, officials said.
Galarza threatened the officers with a glass bottle, and Morris shocked him with a Taser before taking him into custody, according to the NYPD. While officers were trying to handcuff him, he started resisting, so Morris Tased him again, sources said.
Galarza then appeared to have a heart attack, and officers tried to use CPR on him, but he was pronounced dead at Einstein Hospital about two hours later, police said. His death is now being investigated by the New York State Attorney General’s Office.
The notice of claim was filed on Monday and accuses the city of negligence in its ability to handle situations involving mentally disturbed people.
The family's lawyer Sanford Rubenstein said in a statement that the city was responsible for Galarza's death and that the suit is "based on the negligence, carelessness and recklessness of the NYPD and Sgt. William Melrose."
The NYPD referred calls for comment to the city Law Department, which did not return calls for comment.
