Family of man who died at Brooklyn Stop & Shop calls for prosecution

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The family of an accused shoplifter, who died while being restrained at a Brooklyn Stop & Shop, wants the district attorney to investigate the death.

Ralph Nimmons’ family protested outside the Stop & Shop on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, where he died in April, to encourage shoppers to boycott the grocery store.

Their protest came just days after the Medical Examiner ruled Nimmons’ death a homicide. He had been stopped for shoplifting at the store, allegedly trying to steal a piece of cake.

Medical officials said Nimmons went into sudden cardiac arrest after he was restrained and kept in a prone position at the store.

The attorney for the family, Sanford Rubenstein, called for a grand jury to decide if any criminal charges should be filed. He said the family met with Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, who promised to take the matter seriously.

“We remain saddened by the unfortunate event that took place at our Flatbush store on April 14, 2018 and are continuing to cooperate fully with law enforcement,” said Stop & Shop spokeswoman Jennifer Brogan. “Now that the Medical Examiner’s report is complete, we await the outcome of the District Attorney’s ongoing investigation.”