Man Dies After Police Put Him In Choke Hold
New York's mayor launches an official investigation after a man dies after being arrested on the street in Staten Island.
Saturday 19 July 2014 09:54, UK
A father-of-six collapsed and died after he was placed in a choke hold by a New York police officer.
Eric Garner, 43, was captured on video in Tompkinsville, Staten Island, arguing with police officers who accused him of selling bootleg cigarettes.
The officers then surrounded him and when he apparently resisted arrest, one placed him in a choke hold and wrestled him to the ground.
Mr Garner could be heard shouting "I can't breathe!" as he was held on the pavement.
He suffered a cardiac arrest and died at Richmond University Medical Center on Thursday, the New York Daily News reported.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio released a statement after his death.
"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Mr Garner, who died yesterday afternoon while being placed in police custody," he said.
"We have a responsibility to keep every New Yorker safe, and that includes when individuals are in custody of the NYPD.
"That is a responsibility that Police Commissioner Bratton and I take very seriously.
"We are harnessing all resources available to the city to ensure a full and thorough investigation of the circumstances of this tragic incident."
New York Police Commissioner William Bratton told a news conference on Friday: "Choke holds are prohibited by the New York City Police Department and most departments."
Mr Garner was reported to have broken up a fight shortly before his arrest.