No indictment for NYPD cop in chokehold death of Eric Garner

A Staten Island grand jury Wednesday has declined to indict the New York City police officer in connection with the July chokehold death of an unarmed man, a source tells Fox News.

Police Officer Daniel Pantaleo, a 29-year-old, eight-year veteran of the force, faced possible charges in the July 17 death of Eric Garner, who was stopped on suspicion of selling loose cigarettes. Video captured Pantaleo using what appeared to be an illegal chokehold on Garner, a 43-year-old father of six with a lengthy criminal record. Garner, who had health problems, died as a result of the encounter.

Garner was heard yelling in the video, "I can't breathe!"

The grand jury of 15 whites and 8 minorities concluded there was not enough evidence to charge the officer with a crime, although he could still face departmental charges.

New York City's Police Commissioner William Bratton was asked Sunday if what happened in Ferguson, Missouri, could happen in New York. He said the NYPD has been preparing for months "in multiple ways," including community meetings.

Bratton says he's more concerned with outside agitators and looking at what tactics they might employ.

Garner's family has filed a notice that it plans to sue the city for $75 million on the grounds of wrongful death, pre-death pain and suffering and civil rights violation, The New York Post reported. Rev. Al Sharpton, who is an advisor for the family, has called on a federal probe.

Jonathan Moore, an attorney for the victim's family, said he is "astonished by the decision."

Source: The Associated Press and Fox News

Photo via newyorkdailynews