NYPD commissioner: Officer suspended without pay for 'disturbing apparent chokehold incident' in Queens

A police officer who was involved in an apparent chokehold incident in Queens has been suspended without pay, according to NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea.

News 12 Staff

Jun 21, 2020, 11:11 PM

Updated 1,609 days ago

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A police officer who was involved in an apparent chokehold incident in Queens has been suspended without pay, according to NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea. 
The incident happened Sunday at Far Rockaway Beach. Video appeared to show the officer using a chokehold on a Black man.
"Accountability in policing is essential. After a swift investigation by the Internal Affairs Bureau, a police officer involved in a disturbing apparent chokehold incident in Queens has been suspended without pay," Shea said in a statement released Sunday evening. "While a full investigation is still underway, there is no question in my mind that this immediate action is necessary. We are committed to transparency as this process continues."
Earlier Sunday, the NYPD had said its Internal Affairs Bureau was investigating the use of force in the incident, which it said occurred within the 100th Precinct in Queens.
The department has released body cam video from the incident. The 35-minute video was posted to YouTube.
"This matter is taken extremely seriously and updates will be shared with the public as the investigation unfolds," the NYPD said in a statement.
Editor's Note: This video contains graphic language and scenes that some viewers might find disturbing.