No Charges for NYPD Cop in Chokehold Death

Grand jury does not indict Daniel Pantaleo in death of Eric Garner
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 3, 2014 1:39 PM CST
Updated Dec 3, 2014 2:03 PM CST
No Charges for NYPD Cop in Chokehold Death
An undated family file photo of Eric Garner.   (AP Photo/Family photo via National Action Network, File)

Another high-profile grand jury investigation has resulted in no charges for a white police officer accused in a black civilian's death. This time, it's Staten Island, where a grand jury today chose not to indict NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo in the death of Eric Garner in July, reports the New York Times. Garner, who was unarmed, died after being subdued by a group of officers who accused him of selling unlicensed cigarettes. Pantaleo was seen using a chokehold on Garner, a move banned by the NYPD, as Garner repeatedly said, "I can't breathe." Police have been preparing for Ferguson-like protests in the wake of the decision.

"I am actually astonished based on the evidence of the video tape, and the medical examiner, that this grand jury at this time wouldn't indict for anything, is really just astonishing," an attorney for Garner's family tells AP. (The medical examiner earlier had ruled the death a homicide.) Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan said the grand jury of 23 found "no reasonable cause" to indict the officer. The 43-year-old Garner had been a father of six. Pantaleo, who at 29 is an eight-year veteran of the NYPD, still could lose his job because of departmental charges, reports the Daily News. (More Eric Garner stories.)

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