NEW
YORK — An Edison man who was charged
with disorderly conduct for allegedly giving three New York City police
officers the middle finger is suing the city
Robert Bell, 26,
was arrested in August 2011 after making the obscene gesture to three police
officers whose backs were turned to him when he left the Slaughtered Lamb Pub
on West 4th Street, the report said.
While none of the
three saw Bell raise his finger, a fourth officer walking behind the the
financial services recruiter witnessed it and arrested him.
When asked by
police why he raised his middle finger, Bell answered, "Because I don't
like cops," the report said.
The charge against
Bell was dismissed in October after that officer didn't show up for a court
hearing.
Bell, who is being
represented by the New York Civil Liberties Union, is seeking an undisclosed
amount of money. The suit charges the NYPD with violating the Constitution,
assault, false arrest and imprisonment, and inflicting emotional distress.