Probe eyes claim that cops assaulted man

The Nassau Police Internal Affairs Bureau is conducting a probe into a Massapequa man's claims that he was assaulted in his driveway by an off-duty Nassau police officer, who then threatened him if he reported the incident.

Nassau police spokesman Deputy Insp. Kenneth Lack Thursday confirmed the investigation is ongoing but declined further comment.

Kenneth Mollins, attorney for Chris Gabriel, 27, said the assault took place Tuesday evening as Gabriel was returning home from work and drove on to Sussex Avenue near North Pine Street.

"He pulled into his driveway and a guy from up the block comes up, grabs him by the collar and punches him in the head, knocks him to the floor and starts kicking him," said Mollins, who said Gabriel did not know the officer.

He said that while Gabriel was being kicked, he took out his phone to call 911. According to Mollins, the officer told Gabriel: "That's my precinct. What do you think they are going to do -- help you?"

Mollins said that when responding officers arrived, they recognized the officer and greeted him.

"Then they come back to my client and they tell my client, 'Hey, if you report this, we're going to arrest you because we're going to say that you didn't give us your license. We're going to remember who you are and believe me you're going to be sorry if you report this,' " Mollins said.

Mollins said Gabriel suffered scrapes to his cheek and neck, but he did not go to the hospital.