Post's Mysterious Witness Questions Pug Owner's Account

Jason Wagner

A bystander who witnessed the arrest Monday of a woman carrying her sick pug in the subway says the dog owner made anti-Semitic remarks toward the arresting officer, who happens to be the city's first Hasidic cop. Yesterday the pug-owner, Chrissie Brodigan, told us (and a second witness corroborated) that when she became upset during the incident, Officer Joel Witriol said, "If you're going to act like a woman I'm going to treat you like a woman."

She says that as Witriol arrested her, "He punched me in the back (there are bruises), he handcuffed me, and in the scuffle grabbed my breasts and pinched them." And Jason Wagner, another passer-by who took these photos, tells us Witriol said, "Do you wanna talk like a woman? Do you wanna get knocked around like a woman?"

But witness Viane Delgado tells the Post that Witriol "repeatedly" asked Brodigan to place the pug "in a carrier she had." (Brodigan says she'd been carrying the dog in a tote bag, but it had vomited in there, which is why she was carrying it out of the station.) Delgado goes on to insist that during the argument, Brodigan told the cop, "You f---ing Jew, you're not even human." And an unidentified source tells the Post that Brodigan also exclaimed, "Jewish people think they own everything."

It's impressive that the Post tracked down a witness and "a source" so quickly, since they emailed us at 5:10 p.m. to request information, twenty minutes after we published the story yesterday. (Perhaps the NYPD put them in touch with Delgado?) Regardless, witness Melissa Randazzo tells us, "That absolutely did not happen. I did not hear any comments like that at all." We asked Brodigan via email to confirm or deny the allegations of anti-Semitism, and her full response is below:

I think that this event is going to some very dark places that I don't have experience with. I don't recall making the remarks that the witness is referring to. I was definitely not my most graceful self and was crying and begging for help from the witnesses who were there. After being roughed up and being told, "If you want to act like a woman I'm going to treat you like a woman," I was at my least articulate. I'm pretty sure I uttered a few profanities, I'm also pretty sure I begged for the ticket, my dog, and to be released to go home. Witnesses called the police for help because it was such a crazy situation.
I was contacted by about a dozen people yesterday through Facebook who offered to testify. I'm not sure what to do at this point. It's a lot of drama for a pug.

I definitely called him an asshole, but I wasn't the one with any power in the situation. I know I called him an asshole, a bad cop, a traffic cop, and said what he was doing was inhumane. I don't believe you can uphold the law if you don't believe women have equal rights. When an officer of the law threatens, beats, and oppresses a woman on the basis that she's acting like a woman—that's the problem. An utterance of profanity seems normal—at that point all a person has left is her voice. I was begging for help and not using the moment as a platform for antisemitism.

What do you think, person who wasn't there?

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By John Del Signore in News on July 1, 2009 12:42 PM

Comments [rss]

Sam

in the New Testament: All does who do not believe in Juses Christ will go to hell.

And show me where it says in the Talmid that non-jews are not human

Cory Greenwell

At a bare minimum, taking away the dog and then the threat to kill the dog seems like it could lay a good foundation for a suit for the intentional infliction of emotional distress.

@Clarice City / @Adrian How is name calling resisting arrest? Trying to elude the officer, or threatening the officer or giving a wrong name is resisting arrest. I'm not sure calling someone an asshole constitutes a threat of violence.

@Gothampc re: attacking policeman's authority. Yes, we should totally allow officer's to use and misuse their power at their discretion.

Too many other inane comments to address

rationalism

"If you're going to act like a woman I'm going to treat you like a woman."

Translation: Act like a lady and the officer will treat you like a lady and you will be on your merry way in just a few minutes. What the hell is wrong with what he said? This is no different than if he said "if you act like a gentleman I'll treat you like a gentleman." Police officers say that all the time and usually the subject they are dealing with gets the picture and comports himself appropriately.

Some of you clowns, particularly you, Chrissie "I don't know how to behave in public" Brodigan, are reading way too much into this officer's alleged statements.

KilgoreTrout

Hmmm. Imagine if gender roles were reversed and the conversation went like this:

Cop: If you're going to act like a Jew, I'm going to treat you like a Jew

Woman: Yeah, well Bitch, you're not even human.

I fail to see the difference. A police officer is supposed to uphold the law and keep his cool no matter what, not instigate a junenile shouting/shoving match over something as trivial as a dog in a subway. He chose to escalate a trivial matter into something which has cluttered the newsboards, and will most likely end up in some sort of endless court battle which will cost the city thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. Is that what you really want your tax dollars and manpower being used for???? The officer is just another example of the idiots that populate the NYPD and waste everyone's time and money because his little dick felt insulted.

Manitoba

KT - Your hypothetical is a little extreme, but your point is a good one.

I think the problem with these web "forums" is that it attracts extreme opinions on both sides and leads to name-calling, race-baiting and everything in-between. While I guess it's good for people to vent and can often uncover how people really feel, it doesn't do any real good.

The truth of the matter is that, most likely, what really happened lies somewhere in between. She probably did things she's regrets, and he probably did things he regrets, but in the end, this is not really that big of a deal. Hopefully, she'll be given a $100 fine, pay it, and everyone will move on.

jesseps

LOL

wow how do you even call a Pug a dog its like a oversize rat!

I hope for Chrissie one day she doesn't need help, no NYPD officer will help her in time of need.

valeriob

Hey did you guys hear? Michael Jackson died!

valeriob

I leave for one minute and this whole thing turns into a shit show pissing contest between some new all caps dude and felix.

can somebody warn a brother next time?

tengobotas

I cant respect police or the local government in NYC because of exactly this type of thing. On Dean St and 6th Ave in Prospect Heights there is a Police Station and a Fire Station which conveniently have a playground for kids just behind the precinct and next door to the fire station. The playground is literally feet from the police and fire station, yet there is continuous drug dealing and drinking at this playground. Half the time you cant be on the playground and not smell marijuana smoke, All the while these same worthless cops can find the time to harass someone on the subway with a small dog. Gimme a break.

wjbiii

"I was begging for help and not using the moment as a platform for antisemitism."

>blinkdo that?

urtandersen

Well There You Have It
Instead of stopping to consider the reality of the World we live in folks want to chat politics and race. Hillarious given that you same fools are subject to the type of treatment (or your Wife, Daughter, Mom) that this Lady was. This is another example of how our common lowest denominator society, as "governed" by fearful, dangerous, and repressed klowns with guns, badges, and so called "votes" run things.

Don't get me wrong most Cops i know are well meaning. The problem is they ain't the brightest bulbs ont he tree,a nd the politicians forget it. You saw Bloomberg change term limits right in our face! And no one ever mentions his fortunes were acquired by way of derivatives and black boxes called the Bloomberg Terminal, which crashed the entire economy. The irresponsible fearful children that "yeah but without them the BoggieMan will getcha." are the same ones that deserve neither Freedom nor security. At least according to Benjamin Franklin.

The Cost to NYC
You may not be aware of this but "Cops" cost the city almost a billion dollars in defending against law suits and settlements. (thanks to our friends at the Post- the switch hitters)They simply don't care with the exception of the CCRB. Why? because your tax dolars are going to defend them in court. How we have a union for something like community policing is beyond me. If you want a career become an accountant. We need to take back the way these "Lar Enforcers" are physchologically screened. Particularly now that lil Johnny is back from Iraq {8-o. I mean how much money was wasted for this harmless incident? This guy is abuser hiding behind a badge. And in my opinion a punk. THANK GOD this was not my Family involved. Yours or mine could be next.

Your Denial
Given you have time to think about my comments consider this, what kind of Public problem was she creating? Is it really true that "If you didn't do anything you have nothing to fear."? These people abuse their Public Trust and Oath on a daily basis. We have failed int he way we treat our fellow citizens who break the so called "Law". Instead of helping htem to be productive hey, it ain't our problem, right? See....as commenters point out "Pissing on a Woman""be sitting in your own waste" these so called Citizens care not about anyone. And are the reason we are in this mess as a Society. They have full abdicated their responsibility for their fellow Citizen. Contrary to their claim...I don't need a Hasidim or anyone else to clean up my mess. And if my neighboor needs me I'm there.

Solution
Stop living in fear and selfishness. "Personal responsibility" this is a corporate mantra and you see where that has left us, no? Grow a set of balls/breasts and give a shit about your fellow Citizens and community. Stop being a part of the problem because you are afraid. The low Shakra shit works against you every time. Go out and support this gal at the Hearing..let em HEAR! Remember when you see that person struggling or the bum ont he street they are a Human Being and need support also. Otherwise just like her you'll end up in a cell being treated like an animal because Lehman Brothers gets upset when your dog pukes and you don't hide him properly. Good Luck to her and my fellow Citizens. Try not to hate yourself and be too afraid of the Boogie Man. He's always right there witcha!

Clarice City

What? What the hell is this?

valeriob

I read up until the second sentence and scientifically concluded that you are douchebag.

Chrissie Brodigan's Pug

and the point is?

GREGORYABUTLER

"That train's never late!"

I see you've gotten bored with anti Jewish racism, so you brought out the old familiar anti Black variety now!

Mention the Mexicans ["they took our jobs!"] and you've won today's BIGOTRY TRIFECTA

interlard

At this point I believe the witnesses who said the cop verbally abused and molested her. I'm prepared to believe she called him some offensive Jew-related names after that. Like she said, you only have your voice to strike back and only 1 witness (or "source" whatever that is) has backed up the cop's story. If he'd been black or fat or short she might have used that to strike back.

Far too many NYC cops have a history of acting like subhuman a-holes. Ruining the reputation of the good ones and making their jobs harder. I don't find it a stretch to believe one more example of unnecessary violence against the people who cops are employed to protect. I don't see Bloomberg doing anything to change this, which means he needs to be held accountable. Will anyone do anything? Not likely. You get the politicians you deserve. So sad.

Chrisspike

also grabbing her breasts? Please. don't waste your time, C's+ only.

Chrisspike

SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE KITCHEN MAKING FUCKING BREAKFAST NOT OUT WALKING THE DOG.

in other news, i was there, i heard anti semite remarks, and not only that, the dog pooped on the stairs. and bit a child. and ate my homework.

valeriob

Thank you! finally someone with common sense.

Steven

This story is really blowing up here. (obviously)

Tower18

This thread is amazing. Let me sum up the arguments thus far.

1. Dogs > people

2. Jews
3. Dogs > Jews

4. Handcuffs, day and night

5. Jew hero cop

Tower18

WTF my comment got messed up.

2. Jews

McAwesome

I hope our capsy friend is the one witness claiming anti-Jew comments from the bruised and abused lady. That would make the whole saga come full circle!

the woman arrested is a bitch

AT THIS POINT I WILL STOP COMMENTING FOR NOW

valeriob

Thanks, this one's for you http://twurl.cc/17tu

Clarice City

Gotta go walk the pug and take a shit on your woman? Yep, it's time to unplug the computer machine and rest up for another day of mania. Nighty night!

breaknight

have a nice evening Officer Witriol...thanks for the entertaining posts.

ak

Surprise twist ending: CAPS friend = Chrissie Brodigan?

the woman arrested is a bitch

I HAVE NOTHING TO BE AFAID OF AND THAT COP DID NOTHING WRONG AND THAT LADY WHO WAS ARRESTED IS CLEARLY GUILTY

the woman arrested is a bitch

ONCE AGAIN I WILL ONLY HAVE THE HONNER OF PISSING ON A WOMAN WHO IS CLEARLY MADE OUT OF SHIT IN THE FIRST PLACE SINCE I DO NOT PISS ON INNOCENT NORMAL PEOPLE ECECPT A BITCH LIKE HER

felixthecat2

Seriously, why are you so angry at her. What did she do wrong to upset you so much? Many people break laws, why are you so angry at her?

the woman arrested is a bitch

BECOUSE OF HER LIES

the woman arrested is a bitch

NO THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN SINCE I HAVE THE JEWISH COP WHO WILL STOP THE OTHER COPS FRON CUFFING ME

felixthecat2

Jewish cop is suspended ALL DAY ALL NIGHT. please post video of your views, I will watch.

Manitoba

Ok - I hope you realize that all you're really doing is helping this woman's case. Plus, once your IP address is requested via subpoena, the FBI will come to take you away for making threatening and libelous comments. You would do well to stop before further incriminating yourself and hurting the case against you police friend.

the woman arrested is a bitch

AND WHEN THAT COP ARRESTS YOU AGAIN LADY WHO WAS PISSED AND SPIT AND CRAPPED YOU CAN BET I WILL BE THERE TO HAVE THE HONNER OF PISSING ON YOU WHILE YOU ARE HANDCUFFED

felixthecat2

LOL, your fetish of peeing and crapping and spitting on people is gross. get some help your dirty man.

Manitoba

Please stop.

I also wish Gothamist would just shut this whole thread down...

the woman arrested is a bitch

YOU DO NOT WANT TO RIDE A TRAIN WITH A INSANE WOMAN WHO WAS PISSED AND CRAPPED ON

felixthecat2

LOL, you will be arrested and in cuffs ALL DAY ALL NIGHT if you do such a disgusting thing, I rather ride with the dog then with your disgusting dirty vile ASH hole type.

dadoc

Glad to see nothing has changed since I last looked. Some things never change. Oh, well, back to life.

the woman arrested is a bitch

AND A PERSONAL MESSAGE TO THE LADY WHO WAS ARRESTED PLEASE DO NOT PAY YOUR FINES THIS WAY A WARRANT WILL BE SENT OUT FOR YOUR ARREST AND THAT JEWISH COP WILL ONCE AGAIN HAVE THE HONNER OF CUFFING YOU AND LEADING YOU HANDCUFFED BEHIND YOUR BACK TO YOUR SMELLY JAIL CELL AND WHEN THAT HAPPENES YOU CAN BET I WILL BE THERE TO PEE ON YOU WHILE YOU HANDCUFFED AND BEGGING THAT COP TO RELEASE YOU HA HA HA HA H HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

felixthecat2

Jewish cop will be suspended ALL DAY ALL NIGHT. lol

felixthecat2

Please your video on youtube so I may hear you laugh. PLEASE, I will watch it ALL DAY ALL NIGHT.

the woman arrested is a bitch

I HOPE THAT COP ARRETS AND HANDCUFFS BOTH MORE FEMALE AND MALE OFFENDERD LIKE HER IN THE FUTURE ANOTHER MILLION TIMES AND LOCK THEM UP INSTEAD UP JUST GIVING THEM TICKETS

felixthecat2

i think the police should focus on crazy terrorists and crazy zionists and leave the cute dogs alone. I would ride with that dog before I ride with you on train. LOCO

the woman arrested is a bitch

AND I DO NOT THING YOU WOULD WANT TO RIDE THE TRAIN WITH HER AFTER THOSE 2 OTHER WOMAN WHO WAS WITH HER IN HER SMELLY CELL SPIT AND CRAPED ON HER----OKAY FATFUCK

the woman arrested is a bitch

AND ALL OF YOU PEOPLE WHO ARE DEFENDING THAT BICH I HAVE JUST MESSAGE FOR ALL YOU FUCK=FACES===THE LADY WHO WAS ARRESTED IS 100% PERCENT WRONG AND THE JEWISH COP WHO HAD HER ARRESTED WITH CUFFS ON IS 100% CORRECT FOR DOING WHAT HE DID===SHE GOT WHAT SHE DESEARVED KEEP THE HANDCUFFS ON HER DAY AND NIGHT AND ONCE AGAIN ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO ARE DEFENDING HER YOU ARE ALL A WHOLE BUNCE OF FUCKFACES

idiolect

When you like a fellow / try to treat him right / give him your attention, day and night.

felixthecat2

type allah is great in caps and then I might believe you are muslim. LMFAO

the woman arrested is a bitch

THE COP WHO ARRESTED THAT BITCH IS GREAT AND ID EVEN GREATER THEN ALLAH

felixthecat2

You aren't muslim since a muslim would never say a jewish man is greater than Allah. LOL you are crazy hasidic zionist.

the woman arrested is a bitch

I AM MUSLIM

just saying

And an illiterate Muslim at that by the looks of your poor grammar and spelling mistakes. Did you even get as far as 6th grade?

the woman arrested is a bitch

WHAT A MOTHER FUCKER NUTCASE BITCH THAT SHE IS

felixthecat2

please send picture of yourself, LOL. i want to see your lovely curls

the woman arrested is a bitch

ONCE AGAIN I STRONGLY SUGGEST TO KEEP THE CUFFS ON HER DAY AND NIGHT HAVE HER LOCKED UP AND PLEASE INCREASE THE FINES THAT SHE RECEIVED ON HER 3 TICKETS

felixthecat2

i love Edex's crazy zionist brother.

the woman arrested is a bitch

I MEANT TO SAY I AINT A JEWISH PERSON I AM MUSLIM

felixthecat2

LOL, you are one such Jewish guy, blame your rants on a Muslim. recite the koran on youtube and I will follow you as one of your disciples.

the woman arrested is a bitch

I AM NOT JEWISH

the woman arrested is a bitch

BY THE WAY I AINT THE LAW JUST DEFENDING THAT COP WHO WAS JUST DOING HIS JOB WHICH IS WHAT HE IS PAYED TO DO WHICH ALSO TURNED OUT TO BE A JOB WELL DONE

ak

Where did we find you? You're charming!

the woman arrested is a bitch

WELL IF YOU WERE IN THAT STATION WHEN THAT MOTHER FUCKER BITCH WAS ARRESTED ON MONDAY BY THAT HERO COP WHO DID A EXCELLENT JOB BY LOCKING HER UP WITH CUFFS ON IF YOU WERE THERE WHEN THIS STORY TOOK PLACE YOU PROBERLY SAW ME THERE THATS WHERE YOU FOUND ME OKAY YOU FUCKFACE!!!!!

felixthecat2

yes, please post your video on youtube and I will be convinced, promise.

idiolect

I think your arguments will be a lot more convincing if you make a video of yourself speaking, put it on youtube, and then link us all to it. Please?

felixthecat2

Fuckface?? i like him better than his brother EDex, LMFAO

the woman arrested is a bitch

I AM ALSO LAUGHING IN CASE YOU ARE FORGETTING WHEN SHE WAS PUT INTO HER CELL THERE WERE 2 OTHER WOMAN WHO IN WITH HER THEY WERE NOT HANDCUFFED AND THANK GOD SHE WAS AND THOSE 2 WOMAN SPIT AND HIT HER IN (THANK GOD) WHILE SHE WAS IN THAT SMELLY CRAPPY CELL HA HA HA HA HA HA NOW SHE NEEDS TO TAKE A SHOWER ALL DAY LONG AND EVEV AFTER SHE WILL DO THAT SHE WILL STILL SMELL=====HA HA HA HA HA HA

just saying

Bellevue now provides internet access for patients?

macdaddynyc

Wow, there wasn't one black person mentioned, and there you go making shit uglier than it needs to be. WTF is wrong with you? Stick to the subject at hand, you moron!

KilgoreTrout

It looks like a good portion of the NYPost commenters have made it to Gothamist today.

Here's a reminder:

1) "CAPS LOCK" is that key on the left side of the metallic board in front of you. Try hitting it

2) You're supposed to take the Seroquel daily. It'll keep the voices away.

3) Mom called. She wants you home for dinner.

KilgoreTrout

HEY, GUY WHO JUST GOT AN AOL ACCOUNT, YOU MIGHT WANT TO GOOGLE "CAPS LOCK".

In case you forgot, your supposed to take the Seroquel and Klonopin daily.

the woman arrested is a bitch

IN CASE YOU FORGETTING ASH HOLE THAT LADY WHO WAS ARRESTED AND HANDCUFFED AND GOT WHAT SHE DESEARVED BY OUR JEWISH HERO COP TAKES A LOT OF MEDICATION INCLUDING SEROQUEL AND KLONOPIN AND DEPIKOTE===LIKE I SAID KEEP THE HANDCUFFS ON HER DAY AND NIGHT AND A JOB WELL DONE BY THAT JEWISH OFFICER

felixthecat2

ASH HOLE, lol,you're killing me.

idiolect

*golf clap*

Aren't we a classy bunch.

ak

"ASH HOLE" is a bit vivid, don't you think? Especially in all caps.

felixthecat2

LOL, i am laughing but this poor lady should obtain restraining order from this wacko since now Edex another zionist stalker has post her personal information here.

the woman arrested is a bitch

YOU ARE WORSE AND I WILL PEE ON HER SINCE ALL SHE IS MADE OUT OF IS SHIT!!!!!!!

Clarice City

HANDCUFFS ALL DAY ALL NIGHT!!!!

idiolect

I feel like there might be some technical problems with the handcuffs if she is really entirely made out of shit. Maybe tupperware would be more appropriate?

Clarice City

I PUT YOU IN THE TUPPERWARES AND SHIT ON YOU AGAIN!!!!! ALL DAY ALL NIGHT!!!

felixthecat2

I bet you and Edex are the reason for the increase in number of restraining orders

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/01/increase-is-seen-in-number-of-restraining-orders/

felixthecat2

LOL, Edex's brother is crazy. MUCHO LOCO.

Dead Himmler

The animal should have been destroyed immediately. There should be no tolerance for sick or incompetent animals in the subway. This is a health issue.

the woman arrested is a bitch

SHE IS INSANE

Clarice City

Caps make you look insane. Remember...inside voice.

the woman arrested is a bitch

SHE DESEARVED EVRYTHING AND I HOPE SHE GETS LOCKED UP AND THAT SHE SUFFERED AND TO THAT HASADIC COP I WANT TO SAY THANKS A MILLION FOR A JOB WELL DONE PLEASE KEEP IT UP

felixthecat2

Edex's crazy zionist brother. you deserve to be locked up if you pee on anyone. you are nasty dirty person and LOCO

valeriob

Dude, I wrote that I will pee on her. Not that guy.

Chill out or I will pee on you.

ed_Extinct

Here's another one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip5YjB0KT2U

the woman arrested is a bitch

THANKS for showing us what a bich she is keep the handcuffs on her day and night

Manitoba

She seems nice enough to me - what about that video makes you think she's such a horrible person?

felixthecat2

damn, my zionist stalker who follows me because I criticize Israel bombing a school is now stalking this poor woman. Are you standing outside her building? Don't bomb her. Leave her alone. what a nut

KilgoreTrout

BTW, what's wrong with calling a cop "not even human"?

That's usually entirely true. You ever have a conversation with

Ray Kelly?? Try that, and it'lll change your mind....

KilgoreTrout

So this all started because the Hasidic cop (who, by their culture, treat women like shit), was trying to enforce an obscure law against a small dog? And then acted like an a*s, insulted the woman, and she responded likewise?

Sounds like a typical jacka*s cop with an attiude, who would've been better off continuuing to drive a truck rather than become one of New York's "finest". F*K

him.

felixthecat2

Valeriobrob's comment "TMZ is reporting she is pregnant from the encounter". I never read such retarded remarks in my whole life. You really are an imbecile.

valeriob

PS you're my biggest fan. thanks!

omg bffe!

Gnomie

No way, I am! Team Valeriob!

valeriob

Thanks for RT that for me. I was worried that no one read it.

Don't you see that this is all about attention? She was a senior blogger, she knows exactly what is going on right now and thrives on it. She's reading this right now, loving it!

Woo!

felixthecat2

I feel sorry for you, not only are you an old retard but quite lonely to need to feed off somone's misfortune. I find you quite boring so good day.