NYC Panel Nears Decision on Police Chokehold Death

BY TOM HAYS
Associated Press

NEW YORK — A New York City grand jury is quietly nearing a decision in a case that’s drawn comparisons to the police killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.

The panel on Staten Island heard testimony last week from a police officer involved in the chokehold death of Eric Garner. He was believed to be the last witness.

The Staten Island district attorney won’t comment on the proceedings that will determine whether the officer will face criminal charges. But an announcement is expected before the end of the year.

Garner died during an arrest July 17. A widely watched amateur video shows one of the arresting officers wrapping his arm around Garner’s neck before Garner lost consciousness.

The medical examiner found that the chokehold contributed to the death.