NEW YORK --
An investigation is underway after an NYPD detective was identified as the man berating an Uber driver in an apparent road-rage traffic stop on the West Side Highway.
In a video that came to light this week, a detective stops an Uber car, apparently in a vehicle not owned by the department.
"Pull over five *expletive* feet. Pull over," the detective is seen saying in the cellphone video.
The Uber driver had apparently made it difficult for the detective to park. The detective mocked the driver's accent and cursed repeatedly.
"Do you understand me? I don't know what *expletive* planet think you're on right now," the detective said.
Internal Affairs is investigating, and the case will eventually go to the Civilian Complaint Review Board. The passenger who took the video tweeted that he plans to testify at the CCRB on Wednesday to help "jump-start the independent investigation."
Tracking down the detective initially proved difficult because the driver did not receive a summons during the stop. Officials did not offer a reason for the incident.
The driver never is seen arguing with the officer, but at one point, the officer smacks his car. The passengers, though delayed for several minutes, clearly sided with the driver.
"That's crazy. That's really inappropriate," the passenger says on the video.
"Let me tell you, the next time you do it again (OK) OK what? Will you let me *expletive* finish? Stop interrupting me. Who do you think you're talking to?" the detective said.
And then the detective unleashed a final tirade.
"How long have you been in this country? Almost how long? (2 years) Two years? I got news for you and use this lesson, remember this in the future, don't ever do that again. The only reason you're not in handcuffs going to jail and getting summonses in the precinct is because I have things to do. That's the only reason that's not happening, because this isn't important enough for me. You're not important enough!" the detective said.
Uber released a statement saying, "The behavior in the video is wrong and unacceptable and we appreciate the NYPD investigating the incident. We are in touch with our driver-partner who was subjected to this terrible experience and will continue to provide any support he needs."
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