Charges dropped against NYC cop in tragic killing of Dominican

NEW YORK.- A Grand Jury on Monday dropped charges of homicide against New York policeman Thomas Connelly accused in the September 6, 2011, e killing of Dominican John Collado in the Inwood sector in Upper Manhattan.

The agent, working undercover in a narcotics operation was arresting Collado’s neighbor, Jose Batista, but the suspect resisted and a struggle ensued, as the agent then shot him once pointblank, with Connelly’s weapon killing the father and grandfather.

Relatives said Collado, who knew Batista because they were neighbors, thought the agent was a mugger and went to his compatriot’s defense.

The victim, 43, had three children and one grandchild.

The investigation by the Police and the Manhattan Office of the DA was conducted amid protests, vigils, mobilizations and a march to Connelly’s 34th precinct, to demand justice and a halt of alleged police brutality in the neighborhood.