Mental Health

Family of NYC Teen Killed by Police During Mental Health Crisis Files Lawsuit

The family of Raul de la Cruz, a New York City teen who was fatally shot by police during a mental health crisis, has filed a lawsuit against the city and the officers involved. The tragic incident, which unfolded in The Bronx in 2023, has raised serious questions about the handling of mental health emergencies by law enforcement.

A Tragic Call for Help

Win Rozario, who immigrated with his family from Bangladesh in 2014, had long struggled with anxiety and depression. Despite these challenges, Rozario managed to find some stability after receiving mental health care and medication. However, in a moment of crisis, he made a desperate call to 911, posing as a concerned parent worried about his son's behavior. This call set off a chain of events that would ultimately lead to a tragic outcome.

On the day of the incident, Raul de la Cruz, a 44-year-old suffering from schizophrenia, was in the midst of a mental health crisis. His father, seeking help, dialed 311 and specifically requested the assistance of medical professionals rather than police officers. Despite his plea, three NYPD officers were dispatched to the scene, where the situation quickly escalated.

The Escalation and Shooting

Upon arrival, the officers encountered Cruz, who, according to reports, pulled out a kitchen knife. Despite his father's attempts to de-escalate the situation and calm his son, the officers fired at Cruz seven times. The gunfire left Cruz in critical condition, necessitating months of hospitalization. The bullets caused significant damage, leading to the removal of multiple organs as doctors fought to save his life.

The officer who discharged his weapon was identified as NYPD Officer Derek Bernard. The Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), an independent oversight agency, later recommended that Officer Bernard be removed from the force. The recommendation now awaits a final decision from the newly appointed police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

Accountability and Resignations

The aftermath of the shooting saw significant developments within the NYPD. While Officer Bernard remains under scrutiny, another officer involved in the incident chose to resign from the force before the CCRB could issue its report. This resignation has added another layer of complexity to the situation, as questions about accountability and transparency continue to swirl.

The family's lawsuit, while serving as a means to seek justice, also highlights broader concerns about the systemic issues within the current approach to mental health crises. It underscores the urgent need for reform in how such cases are handled by law enforcement, emphasizing the necessity for trained mental health professionals to be the first responders in similar situations.

Seeking Justice and Reform

The case of Raul de la Cruz is not an isolated incident but rather a part of a larger pattern of interactions between law enforcement and individuals experiencing mental health crises. The family's legal action against the city and the officers involved seeks not only to hold those responsible accountable but also to drive systemic change that could prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The lawsuit is a poignant reminder of the delicate balance required in addressing mental health crises — a balance that necessitates empathy, understanding, and specialized training. As the legal proceedings unfold, the eyes of the city, and indeed the nation, will be on the outcome and the potential implications for policy and practice moving forward.

As New York City grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident, the call for reform grows louder. The hope is that through accountability, transparency, and a commitment to change, the city can move towards a more compassionate and effective approach to mental health crises, ensuring that those in need receive the care and support they deserve.