An NYPD arrest is sparking controversy after a now viral video shows police arresting a protester and taking off in an unmarked car Tuesday evening in Manhattan. 

Video captured the NYPD Warrant Squad grabbing 18-year-old Nikki Stone, taking her to the ground and later putting her into an unmarked van during a protest. 

The NYPD acknowledged the arrest on Twitter saying, “ A woman taken into custody in an unmarked van was wanted for damaging police cameras during five separate criminal incidents in and around City Hall Park. The arresting officers were assaulted with rocks and bottles."

Mayor Bill de Blasio said that while damaging police property is unacceptable, he plans to talk to the police commissioner about how the incident was handled. 

"I think it was the wrong time and the wrong place to effectuate that arrest…I think there is a better way to get that done,” said de Blasio. 

The NYPD later tweeted out a video of Stone allegedly damaging police cameras during the Occupy City Hall protests, which resulted in her arrest warrant. 

The Legal Aid Society said police used a disproportionate use of force. 

"The NYPD continues to respond with the very same tactics that are being decried by the public at large,” said Legal Aid Society staff attorney Jennvine Wong. 

Councilmember Carlina Rivera called the arrest a “gross-overstep.” She said it also needs to be acknowledged that Stone is part of the transgender community. 

"Her arrest like many others before and during this time of protests underscores how policing un-proportionately affects trans-Americans,” said Rivera.

Stone was charged with criminal mischief and received a desk appearance ticket. 

Rivera says she’s called for an independent investigation of the incident.