NYPD Officer Quits After Drunken Attack Against Black Family In Nashville

KEY POINTS

NYPD officer resigned for alleged incident in Nashville, Tennessee, from 2018
Reportedly broke into home and drunkenly threatened resident and her four children
Allegedly yelled racial slurs before fleeing

A white off-duty New York City police officer resigned Thursday after he was sentenced in December to 15 days in jail and three years’ probation for threatening a black woman and her kids with racial slurs in Nashville, Tennessee, and after 10,000 people signed a petition demanding his removal.

Officer Michael J. Reynolds, 26, pleaded no contest on Dec. 6 to assault and trespassing charges.

“His actions are wholly inconsistent with the values and standards the New York City Police Department expects and demands of its officers,” said Acting Deputy Commissioner Devora Kaye, the NYPD’s top spokesperson.

The incident occurred on July 9, 2018, while Reynolds was in Nashville for a bachelor party. He reportedly broke into the home of a resident identified as Conese Halliburton around 2:30 a.m. after allegedly mistaking it for his Airbnb rental. Reynolds reportedly screamed at Halliburton, threatening and hurling racial slurs her and her four sons, ages 8 to 20.

“I'll break every bone in your neck!” Reynolds allegedly yelled before fleeing back to his rental.

Reynolds later admitted to being in Nashville with six other men, including two other police officers. Neighbors also told investigators all the men were reportedly laughing during the incident while allegedly flaunting “immunity” from any punishment thanks to their jobs.

“My kids want to move,” Halliburton said during Reynolds’ sentencing. “They don't want to be in that house anymore.”

Reynolds admitted to drinking and said he has no memory of the incident before telling Nashville police he was an NYPD officer. He did apologize to Halliburton at the sentencing for the alleged incident.

“I’m sorry,” Reynolds said. “I made a mistake. I consumed too much alcohol.”

The NYPD faced criticism for the perceived slow response to Reynolds’ alleged actions after his sentencing. People signed an online petition demanding Reynolds be fired while Public Advocate Jumaane Williams protested outside One Police Plaza with others demanding the same.

The NYPD said it did not want to interfere with Reynolds filing an appeal.