New video shows NYPD putting suspected subway farebeater in chokehold

theGRIO REPORT - A new video has surfaced showing a NYPD arrest of an alleged subway farebeater in Manhattan, during which an officer places the suspect in a chokehold.

A new video has surfaced showing a NYPD arrest of an alleged subway farebeater in Manhattan, during which an officer appears to place the suspect in a chokehold.

According to NBC New York, the subway arrest video was taken just three days before the death of Eric Garner, who died in police custody after being placed in a chokehold.

Public outrage following Garner’s death in Staten Island has prompted NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton to announce that the department will retrain all officers. Using a chokehold during an arrest is prohibited.

More from theGrio: Vigil held for Eric Garner, who died in NYPD custody

The subway arrest footage was posted online by Rev. Kelmy Rodriquez. He reports receiving it in an anonymous email, and according to NBC New York, Rodriquez notes the suspect was resisting arrest, but still feels the chokehold should not have been used.

The Manhattan arrest of 23-year-old Ronald Johns took place on July 14 at the 125th Street and Lexington Avenue subway station in East Harlem.

Bystanders of the arrest can be heard in the video questioning officers, “Why do you have to hit him?”

Johns has been charged with fare-dodging, resisting arrest and criminal trespass.

A vigil for Garner was held Tuesday in Staten Island, and his funeral was in Brooklyn Wednesday.

Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals

SHARE THIS ARTICLE