A New York Police District (NYPD) officer involved in a “disturbing apparent chokehold incident in Queens” has been suspended without pay.
In a tweet on Sunday, New York Police Commissioner Shea said, “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.”
NYPD is conducting a full investigation, releases video of the incident
“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.”
The NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau opened an active use of force investigation after a video of police officers arresting a man was posted on social media. The man being arrested was identified as Richard “Ricky” Bellevue.
The chokehold incident happened around 8:45 a.m. on Sunday at the boardwalk in Rockaway Beach in Queens. NYPD officers were responding to a call regarding a disorderly group in the area, according to CNN reporting based on information from a law enforcement source.
