AfterTheClip

police-brutality · North Ocean Avenue, Medford, Suffolk County, New York

The charges against Craig Manning were dropped. Now he's suing the officers who punched him.

What happened?

Settled

Craig Manning, the driver seen being punched by police officers during an April 2, 2026 traffic stop in Suffolk County, New York, is planning to sue the Suffolk County Police Department, several officers, and the county for alleged excessive force and civil rights violations. Criminal charges against Manning for resisting arrest and traffic violations were later dismissed.

8 sourcesBy AfterTheClip Desk · Last checked Jun 28, 2026

By AfterTheClip Research

Sources: YouTube; YouTube; Substack; Reddit

Timeline

  1. Craig Manning is punched multiple times by officers during a traffic stop on North Ocean Avenue in Medford, Suffolk County, New York.

  2. News reports begin to emerge detailing the incident and Craig Manning's allegations of police brutality.

  3. The YouTube clip titled "Here's Why You Don't Punch a Cop" is uploaded, depicting the incident.

  4. Craig Manning's criminal charges, including resisting arrest and traffic violations, are dismissed.

  5. Manning files papers notifying his intent to file a federal lawsuit against the Suffolk County Police Department, several officers, and the county.

  6. Officer Robert Rufrano is identified as the officer who allegedly punched Craig Manning.

What people are asking

What happened to the driver who was punched by police?

Craig Manning, the driver, is pursuing a federal lawsuit against the Suffolk County Police Department and the officers involved for alleged excessive force and civil rights violations. His criminal charges for resisting arrest and traffic violations were dismissed.

Were the police officers charged after punching the driver?

Officer Robert Rufrano, identified as the officer who allegedly punched Craig Manning, has not been charged in connection with the incident. The Suffolk County Police Department has declined to comment on the officers involved, citing pending litigation.

When did the incident where the driver was punched by police happen?

The incident involving Craig Manning and Suffolk County Police officers occurred on April 2, 2026, on North Ocean Avenue in Medford, Suffolk County, New York.

Receipts

How we researched this & corrections

Information was gathered from multiple news reports and social media posts detailing the incident and its aftermath, with a focus on verified outcomes and official statements.

Corrections: corrections@aftertheclip.com.

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