The NYPD has released video of an incident where former tennis star James Blake was thrown to the ground in a case of mistaken identity.
In the video, Blake can be seen standing outside the Grand Hyatt Hotel on 42nd Street in Midtown when a plainclothes officer comes into the picture, tackles him and throws him to the ground.
Sources tell NY1 the police officer involved in the incident has had several previous civilian complaints lodged against him.
Officer James Frascatore has been placed on modified assignment as internal affairs investigates.
"The officer, who was apparently investigating a case of credit card fraud, did not identify himself as a member of law enforcement, ask my name, read me my rights, or in any way afford me the dignity and respect due every person who walks the streets of this country," Blake said, in part, in a statement. "And while I continue to believe the vast majority of our police officers are dedicated public servants who conduct themselves appropriately, I know that what happened to me is not uncommon."
Both Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner William Bratton have apologized to Blake for the incident.
In a statement, Blake acknowledged their apologies but added that "extending courtesy to a public figure mistreated by the police is not enough."
"As I told the Commissioner, I am determined to use my voice to turn this unfortunate incident into a catalyst for change in the relationship between the police and the public they serve," Blake's statement read, in part.
Blake went on to say in the statement that he wants New York City to make a financial commitment to improving that relationship.
The mayor and police commissioner said they've already allocated $29 million to retrain officers, spending that followed another high-profile case caught on video, the police chokehold death of Eric Garner.
City Councilman Jumaane Williams said he's not surprised.
"People often times don't believe what's going on, and so you see the video," Williams said. "This wasn't a violent person you were looking for. It was credit card fraud."
Williams said police didn't believe he was an elected official when he was wrongly arrested in 2011. He hopes the Blake keeps up the pressure.
"He pointed out that the response is happening because he is a public figure and he is concerned about those who are not public figures, who for many years have been saying this is happening to us," Williams said.
The police union said Frascatore did a professional job in bringing down an individual who he thought was involved in a crime, but it regrets any embarrassment to Blake.