The Murder of Eric Garner! [MERGED]
- Thread starter MASTERBAKER
- Start date
disgusting 
They took this guy alive though with all the deaths and all the ammo he had on him
EXCLUSIVE: NYPD summons blitz stirs up critics as get-tough tactic targets blacks & Hispanics at a rate 6 TIMES HIGHER than whites — SEE INTERACTIVE GRAPHICS
Summons for petty infractions are an element of 'broken windows' policing — and roughly 81% of the 7.3 million people hit with violations between 2001 and 2013 were black and Hispanic. Charges that the NYPD's execution of the policy is racially biased have intensified again since Eric Garner was killed July 17 during an attempted arrest for selling loose cigarettes.
Every morning, hundreds of people line up at the city’s dingy summons courts, clutching pink tickets for such petty infractions as walking through the park after dark, bicycling on the sidewalk, drinking on the street and even spitting.
They are the human faces of the most prevalent but underscrutinized element of “broken windows” policing, a controversial crimefighting strategy implemented in the 1990s that focuses on aggressively enforcing quality-of-life offenses to deter more serious ones. And these faces are overwhelmingly black and Hispanic men, a Daily News analysis of first-ever released summons statistics has found.
The number of summonses issued each year has soared since “broken windows” was implemented in the early 1990s — from 160,000 in 1993 to a peak of 648,638 in 2005, a review of a number of reports shows. Although that number has fallen in recent years — to 431,217 last year and down an additional 17% so far this year — writing out violations still remains the most frequent activity of the New York City Police Department, far surpassing felony and misdemeanor arrests combined.
Charges that the NYPD’s execution of “broken windows” policing is racially biased have intensified again since Eric Garner, a black father of six children from Staten Island, was killed July 17 when a white police officer put him in a prohibited chokehold after he had objected to being arrested for allegedly selling loose cigarettes.
Several other officers piled on top of him as he repeatedly gasped, “I can’t breathe.” Garner’s death was ruled a homicide by the city medical examiner’s office Friday.
“The death of Eric Garner at the hands of NYPD officers has put the issue of broken windows policing smack in the middle of the mainstream policy debate of New York City,” said Robert Gangi, director of the Police Reform Organizing Project. “It has certainly reenergized the police reform movement.”
The arrest of Eric Garner, which turned deadly after police used a chokehold, was spurred by his selling cigarettes illegally.The arrest of Eric Garner, which turned deadly after police used a chokehold, was spurred by his selling cigarettes illegally.PreviousNextFramegrabs showing arrest of suspect in Staten Island where police officers used a choke hold that resulted in the suspects death. Enlarge
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
A number of advocacy groups, including the NYCLU, plan to focus on the summonses following their landmark victory in reforming stop-and-frisk.
"The low level of offenses for which people are being arrested has outsized consequences that harm and undermine the ability of young people to thrive and become responsible citizens,” said Donna Lieberman, executive director of the NYCLU. “Instead of giving people another chance, instead of focusing on wrongdoing that presents a danger to society, it feels like a crackdown. The crackdown targets communities of color. It doesn’t target the Upper East Side and it doesn’t target white people.”
The NYCLU exclusively provided The News precinct-by-precinct stats on summonses from 2001 through 2013 that it obtained from the Office of Court Administration. The News analyzed these stats using U.S. Census Bureau and NYPD data on the population and racial makeup of precincts.
The most common offenses were: consumption of alcohol (1.6 million), disorderly conduct (1 million), public urination (334,000), bicycling on the sidewalk (296,000) and operation of a motor vehicle in violation of the safety rules (213,000).
The News found the correlation between race and summonses was not strong for offenses like motor vehicle violations and unlawful possession of alcohol for a minor. But others — like spitting, disorderly conduct, loitering, open container and failure to have a dog license — were more likely to be doled out in predominately black and Hispanic precincts.
In some precincts, the rate of summonses was more than 1 in 10 residents last year, such as the 25th Precinct (East Harlem North), which is 90% black and Hispanic, where there were 18 summonses per 100 residents; the 40th Precinct (Mott Haven, Bronx), which is 98% black and Hispanic (16 per 100 residents); and the 41st Precinct (Hunts Point, Bronx), which is 98% black and Hispanic, (16 per 100 residents).
“My neighborhood is like it’s under martial law. We got all these rookie officers on each corner. These officers, they just run around and ask you for any excuse to ask you for your ID and write you a summons,” said Angel Garcia, 34, of East Harlem, waiting in line at summons court in lower Manhattan last month.
Garcia said a cop slapped him with a summons for loud music when he left his car door open to pay for gas.
“My thing is, how you gonna tell me it was loud music?” said Garcia. “It was a stock radio; it’s not like I have custom speakers or nothing. I’m taking it to trial.”
Garcia was one of 169 people The News interviewed at summons courts in Manhattan, the Bronx and Queens over four days in July. Nearly 88% of those interviewed were male, and 89% identified as a race other than white.
While some openly admitted guilt, many said they felt racially profiled.
Angel Garcia says he was slapped with a summons for loud music when he left his car door open to pay for gas.
CHASE GUTTMAN/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Angel Garcia says he was slapped with a summons for loud music when he left his car door open to pay for gas.
“The cops harass people of color, they harass them constantly,” said Felix Boyd, 48, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, who’s black, and was waiting to appear on an open container ticket. “They got sidewalk cafes and people are sitting outside drinking,” he said. “I was sitting on my porch on my house. He came on to private property to write it.”
One court staffer, who asked not to be identified, said the racial disparity is “mind-blowing” at the summons court at 346 Broadway, which serves most of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
“You’ll see a disproportionately large percentage of young male blacks and young male Hispanics,” said another veteran court employee. “It seems that only a certain kind of people are being targeted with this.”
In the wake of Garner's death, Bratton has said he’s looking at retraining the entire police force, but has steadfastly defended his emphasis on enforcing low-level quality-of-life crimes.
“Part of Commissioner Bratton’s approach is to respond to community complaints and, where appropriate, enforce criminal violations that can affect the quality of life of all New Yorkers,” said Deputy Chief Kim Royster.
Forty agencies can write up pink slips to individuals and businesses, but the vast majority come from the NYPD.
Angel Garcia says he was slapped with a summons for loud music when he left his car door open to pay for gas.
Last year, 20% of the 458,000 summons issued citywide were tossed because the tickets either had defects or were deemed factually insufficient. In another 5% of summonses, people pleaded guilty and sent a check by mail — an option open only to those charged with drinking in public ($25 fine) or urinating in public ($50 fine).
Everyone else has to show up at court — or a warrant will be issued for their arrest.
As of June, there were 1.1 million open warrants out for people who failed to show up to court over these low-level offenses, according to the state courts.
On any given weekday morning at 9 a.m., a long line snakes outside the six summons courts in each of the five boroughs.
SUMMONSES ISSUED IN 2013 BY POLICE PRECINCT
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS OF OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION DATA COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION, AND U.S. CENSUS BUREAU.
Many have taken the day off work to spend hours waiting for their case to be heard.
Defendants first wait in line at security, then at a window where they are told to sign a form waiving their right to appear in front of a judge.
If they sign the form, they are ushered up to the courtroom to see a judicial hearing officer, typically a retired judge.
The defendants know the charge against them, but nothing else. The ticketing officer’s version of events is submitted to the judicial hearing officer, but not to the defendant.
A court-appointed attorney is available, but won’t know anything about the case when it’s called.
Other defendants were given adjournments in contemplation of dismissals — meaning the case against them would be dismissed as long as they stay out of trouble for a certain period of time.
“There’s no due process," said lawyer Susan Tipograph.
She said there’s not much incentive for reform either, because the court is very profitable.
Summonses brought in $8.7 million last year, the second-largest source of revenue for the city’s criminal courts.
“Every time a case is called, you can almost hear the cash register ringing,” she said.
Almost nobody pleads innocent and demands a trial. Last year, there were only 1,185 summons trials citywide, with 723 of them in the Bronx.
This leaves the hundreds of thousands of people who have received conditional dismissals or guilty verdicts with records that may have consequences on things like their ability to get a favorable plea bargain in future cases, probation status and immigration status.
“Some of the people will experience the collateral consequences and they are not being sufficiently thoughtful at the time when they are before the judge. They just want to leave the courtroom and go home,” said the Police Reform Organizing Project’s Gangi.
NYC PAPERS OUT. Social media use restricted to low res file max 184 x 128 pixels and 72 dpi
BRYAN SMITH
The Rev. Al Sharpton speaks on police tactics as Mayor de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton listen at City Hall on July 31 following Eric Garner's death.
Summonses are currently the subject of an ongoing class-action lawsuit against the city on behalf of people who said they were given bogus tickets so cops could make precinct quotas. The NYPD has denied having a quota system.
“These are tickets that never should have been issued in the first place,” said Joshua Fitch, who’s representing some of the plaintiffs in the case, which seeks to reform the way the police dole out summonses.
Lieberman of the NYCLU said more needs to be done.
“We’re mindful that the Police Department is a massive ocean liner difficult to turn around, and that change does not happen overnight,” she said. “But Commissioner Bratton’s relentless advocacy of broken windows has been an ongoing source of concern.”
With Rocco Parascandola, Tina Moore and Laura Dimon
sryley@nydailynews.com
Summons for petty infractions are an element of 'broken windows' policing — and roughly 81% of the 7.3 million people hit with violations between 2001 and 2013 were black and Hispanic. Charges that the NYPD's execution of the policy is racially biased have intensified again since Eric Garner was killed July 17 during an attempted arrest for selling loose cigarettes.
Every morning, hundreds of people line up at the city’s dingy summons courts, clutching pink tickets for such petty infractions as walking through the park after dark, bicycling on the sidewalk, drinking on the street and even spitting.
They are the human faces of the most prevalent but underscrutinized element of “broken windows” policing, a controversial crimefighting strategy implemented in the 1990s that focuses on aggressively enforcing quality-of-life offenses to deter more serious ones. And these faces are overwhelmingly black and Hispanic men, a Daily News analysis of first-ever released summons statistics has found.
The number of summonses issued each year has soared since “broken windows” was implemented in the early 1990s — from 160,000 in 1993 to a peak of 648,638 in 2005, a review of a number of reports shows. Although that number has fallen in recent years — to 431,217 last year and down an additional 17% so far this year — writing out violations still remains the most frequent activity of the New York City Police Department, far surpassing felony and misdemeanor arrests combined.
Charges that the NYPD’s execution of “broken windows” policing is racially biased have intensified again since Eric Garner, a black father of six children from Staten Island, was killed July 17 when a white police officer put him in a prohibited chokehold after he had objected to being arrested for allegedly selling loose cigarettes.
Several other officers piled on top of him as he repeatedly gasped, “I can’t breathe.” Garner’s death was ruled a homicide by the city medical examiner’s office Friday.
Roughly 81% of the 7.3 million people hit with violations between 2001 and 2013 were black and Hispanic, according to a New York Civil Liberties Union calculation of available race data on summons forms. Current Police Commissioner Bill Bratton first implemented the policy when he was head of the transit police in 1990, and expanded it citywide during his first tenure as police commissioner from 1994 to 1996. Raymond Kelly was the commissioner from 2002 to 2013.
“The death of Eric Garner at the hands of NYPD officers has put the issue of broken windows policing smack in the middle of the mainstream policy debate of New York City,” said Robert Gangi, director of the Police Reform Organizing Project. “It has certainly reenergized the police reform movement.”
The arrest of Eric Garner, which turned deadly after police used a chokehold, was spurred by his selling cigarettes illegally.The arrest of Eric Garner, which turned deadly after police used a chokehold, was spurred by his selling cigarettes illegally.PreviousNextFramegrabs showing arrest of suspect in Staten Island where police officers used a choke hold that resulted in the suspects death. Enlarge
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
A number of advocacy groups, including the NYCLU, plan to focus on the summonses following their landmark victory in reforming stop-and-frisk.
"The low level of offenses for which people are being arrested has outsized consequences that harm and undermine the ability of young people to thrive and become responsible citizens,” said Donna Lieberman, executive director of the NYCLU. “Instead of giving people another chance, instead of focusing on wrongdoing that presents a danger to society, it feels like a crackdown. The crackdown targets communities of color. It doesn’t target the Upper East Side and it doesn’t target white people.”
The NYCLU exclusively provided The News precinct-by-precinct stats on summonses from 2001 through 2013 that it obtained from the Office of Court Administration. The News analyzed these stats using U.S. Census Bureau and NYPD data on the population and racial makeup of precincts.
The most common offenses were: consumption of alcohol (1.6 million), disorderly conduct (1 million), public urination (334,000), bicycling on the sidewalk (296,000) and operation of a motor vehicle in violation of the safety rules (213,000).
The News found the correlation between race and summonses was not strong for offenses like motor vehicle violations and unlawful possession of alcohol for a minor. But others — like spitting, disorderly conduct, loitering, open container and failure to have a dog license — were more likely to be doled out in predominately black and Hispanic precincts.
In some precincts, the rate of summonses was more than 1 in 10 residents last year, such as the 25th Precinct (East Harlem North), which is 90% black and Hispanic, where there were 18 summonses per 100 residents; the 40th Precinct (Mott Haven, Bronx), which is 98% black and Hispanic (16 per 100 residents); and the 41st Precinct (Hunts Point, Bronx), which is 98% black and Hispanic, (16 per 100 residents).
“My neighborhood is like it’s under martial law. We got all these rookie officers on each corner. These officers, they just run around and ask you for any excuse to ask you for your ID and write you a summons,” said Angel Garcia, 34, of East Harlem, waiting in line at summons court in lower Manhattan last month.
Garcia said a cop slapped him with a summons for loud music when he left his car door open to pay for gas.
“My thing is, how you gonna tell me it was loud music?” said Garcia. “It was a stock radio; it’s not like I have custom speakers or nothing. I’m taking it to trial.”
Garcia was one of 169 people The News interviewed at summons courts in Manhattan, the Bronx and Queens over four days in July. Nearly 88% of those interviewed were male, and 89% identified as a race other than white.
While some openly admitted guilt, many said they felt racially profiled.
Angel Garcia says he was slapped with a summons for loud music when he left his car door open to pay for gas.
CHASE GUTTMAN/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Angel Garcia says he was slapped with a summons for loud music when he left his car door open to pay for gas.
“The cops harass people of color, they harass them constantly,” said Felix Boyd, 48, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, who’s black, and was waiting to appear on an open container ticket. “They got sidewalk cafes and people are sitting outside drinking,” he said. “I was sitting on my porch on my house. He came on to private property to write it.”
One court staffer, who asked not to be identified, said the racial disparity is “mind-blowing” at the summons court at 346 Broadway, which serves most of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
“You’ll see a disproportionately large percentage of young male blacks and young male Hispanics,” said another veteran court employee. “It seems that only a certain kind of people are being targeted with this.”
In the wake of Garner's death, Bratton has said he’s looking at retraining the entire police force, but has steadfastly defended his emphasis on enforcing low-level quality-of-life crimes.
“Part of Commissioner Bratton’s approach is to respond to community complaints and, where appropriate, enforce criminal violations that can affect the quality of life of all New Yorkers,” said Deputy Chief Kim Royster.
Forty agencies can write up pink slips to individuals and businesses, but the vast majority come from the NYPD.
Angel Garcia says he was slapped with a summons for loud music when he left his car door open to pay for gas.
Last year, 20% of the 458,000 summons issued citywide were tossed because the tickets either had defects or were deemed factually insufficient. In another 5% of summonses, people pleaded guilty and sent a check by mail — an option open only to those charged with drinking in public ($25 fine) or urinating in public ($50 fine).
Everyone else has to show up at court — or a warrant will be issued for their arrest.
As of June, there were 1.1 million open warrants out for people who failed to show up to court over these low-level offenses, according to the state courts.
On any given weekday morning at 9 a.m., a long line snakes outside the six summons courts in each of the five boroughs.
SUMMONSES ISSUED IN 2013 BY POLICE PRECINCT
DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS OF OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION DATA COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION, AND U.S. CENSUS BUREAU.
Many have taken the day off work to spend hours waiting for their case to be heard.
Defendants first wait in line at security, then at a window where they are told to sign a form waiving their right to appear in front of a judge.
If they sign the form, they are ushered up to the courtroom to see a judicial hearing officer, typically a retired judge.
The defendants know the charge against them, but nothing else. The ticketing officer’s version of events is submitted to the judicial hearing officer, but not to the defendant.
A court-appointed attorney is available, but won’t know anything about the case when it’s called.
Other defendants were given adjournments in contemplation of dismissals — meaning the case against them would be dismissed as long as they stay out of trouble for a certain period of time.
“There’s no due process," said lawyer Susan Tipograph.
She said there’s not much incentive for reform either, because the court is very profitable.
Summonses brought in $8.7 million last year, the second-largest source of revenue for the city’s criminal courts.
“Every time a case is called, you can almost hear the cash register ringing,” she said.
Almost nobody pleads innocent and demands a trial. Last year, there were only 1,185 summons trials citywide, with 723 of them in the Bronx.
This leaves the hundreds of thousands of people who have received conditional dismissals or guilty verdicts with records that may have consequences on things like their ability to get a favorable plea bargain in future cases, probation status and immigration status.
“Some of the people will experience the collateral consequences and they are not being sufficiently thoughtful at the time when they are before the judge. They just want to leave the courtroom and go home,” said the Police Reform Organizing Project’s Gangi.
NYC PAPERS OUT. Social media use restricted to low res file max 184 x 128 pixels and 72 dpi
BRYAN SMITH
The Rev. Al Sharpton speaks on police tactics as Mayor de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton listen at City Hall on July 31 following Eric Garner's death.
Summonses are currently the subject of an ongoing class-action lawsuit against the city on behalf of people who said they were given bogus tickets so cops could make precinct quotas. The NYPD has denied having a quota system.
“These are tickets that never should have been issued in the first place,” said Joshua Fitch, who’s representing some of the plaintiffs in the case, which seeks to reform the way the police dole out summonses.
Lieberman of the NYCLU said more needs to be done.
“We’re mindful that the Police Department is a massive ocean liner difficult to turn around, and that change does not happen overnight,” she said. “But Commissioner Bratton’s relentless advocacy of broken windows has been an ongoing source of concern.”
With Rocco Parascandola, Tina Moore and Laura Dimon
sryley@nydailynews.com
No bearing on the case whatsoever....
I’m just out here working hard every single day, just trying to be the best poster I can be....
We are too comfortable.....they think that they can kill us and then use the same tactics they ve always used to stop the outrage.....
we need to stop acting like political pussy........or we'll keep getting fucked like one....
COMMISSIONER SHARPTON? Cops mock Rev. Al by creating fake ID card naming him NYPD boss over his involvement in wake of Eric Garner's chokehold death
The fake ID has been making the rounds among city cops, who are upset over what they perceive is Sharpton's sway over Mayor de Blasio in the wake of Eric Garner's chokehold death.
A mock-up Police Department ID card featuring a picture of the Rev. Al Sharpton under the title "Police Commissioner" has been making the rounds among city cops.
Cops upset over what they perceive as the civil rights activist's sway over the mayor in the wake of Eric Garner's chokehold death have shared the fake ID on email and posted it on Twitter.
The fake card, mimicking standard NYPD ID, bears a picture of Sharpton underneath the top cop title and police seal.
Sharpton, the head of National Action Network, took Mayor de Blasio and real-life Commissioner Bill Bratton to task during a City Hall summit after Garner’s chokehold death on July 27.
The death has since been ruled a homicide and Officer Daniel Pantaleo, who is accused of using the banned chokehold on the 43-year-old father of six, has been stripped of his gun and badge and put on desk duty pending an investigation.
At City Hall, after the top cop outlined his plans to retrain 20,000 officers, Sharpton advised Bratton it would be more effective to perp walk Panteleo to deter other officers from the using the illegal chokehold. He also told de Blasio that the mayor’s own son Dante would be “a candidate for a chokehold” if his father weren’t mayor.
NYC PAPERS OUT. Social media use restricted to low res file max 184 x 128 pixels and 72 dpi
The real police commissioner, Bill Bratton (l.), is seen with Rev. Al Sharpton and Mayor de Blasio.PreviousNextNYC PAPERS OUT. Social media use restricted to low res file max 184 x 128 pixels and 72 dpi
Rev. Al Sharpton broadcasts his radio show ÒKeepin It Real with Rev. Al SharptonÓ at the National Action NetworkÕs Brooklyn summer resource day in Restoration Plaza in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY on July 18, 2014. (Stephanie Keith for the New York Daily News) Enlarge
The fake ID has been making the rounds among city cops, who are upset over what they perceive is Sharpton's sway over Mayor de Blasio in the wake of Eric Garner's chokehold death.
A mock-up Police Department ID card featuring a picture of the Rev. Al Sharpton under the title "Police Commissioner" has been making the rounds among city cops.
Cops upset over what they perceive as the civil rights activist's sway over the mayor in the wake of Eric Garner's chokehold death have shared the fake ID on email and posted it on Twitter.
The fake card, mimicking standard NYPD ID, bears a picture of Sharpton underneath the top cop title and police seal.
Sharpton, the head of National Action Network, took Mayor de Blasio and real-life Commissioner Bill Bratton to task during a City Hall summit after Garner’s chokehold death on July 27.
The death has since been ruled a homicide and Officer Daniel Pantaleo, who is accused of using the banned chokehold on the 43-year-old father of six, has been stripped of his gun and badge and put on desk duty pending an investigation.
At City Hall, after the top cop outlined his plans to retrain 20,000 officers, Sharpton advised Bratton it would be more effective to perp walk Panteleo to deter other officers from the using the illegal chokehold. He also told de Blasio that the mayor’s own son Dante would be “a candidate for a chokehold” if his father weren’t mayor.
NYC PAPERS OUT. Social media use restricted to low res file max 184 x 128 pixels and 72 dpi
'THEY LYING ON ME': Man who filmed Eric Garner's fatal chokehold arrest says cops have been following him since the video's release, disputes latest gun charges
Ramsey Orta arrives at Staten Island Criminal Court.PreviousNextRamsey Orta arrives at Staten Island Criminal Court to be arraigned on a weapons charge on Monday, August 4, 2014, in New York. Orta was busted for allegedly trying to hand off a stolen handgun to a teenage gal pal in front of a Staten Island hotel on Saturday, August 2, 2014. Orta pleaded not guilty and was remanded on a 75,000 bail. (Michael Oates for New York Daily News) Ramsey Orta, who filmed a police officer putting Eric Garner into a fatal chokehold, was arrested on a weapons charge. His arraignment was postponed Monday. Enlarge
MICHAEL OATES FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
The petty crook who made the shocking video of an NYPD officer putting a deadly chokehold on a Staten Island dad claims cops are now trying to set him up for a fall.
Ramsey Orta said the police officers who charged him with gun possession have been following him ever since it was revealed that he took the footage of 43-year-old Eric Garner's death that caused nationwide outrage.
"They lying on me, they doing me wrong," an anguished Orta said after he pleaded not guilty Monday and his bail was set at $75,000. "I've been harassed by the police since this whole video" emerged.
Speaking by phone after his arraignment in Staten Island Criminal Court, Orta said when the officers busted him Saturday they "started videotaping me before I even went to the precinct."
"I said, 'Excuse me officer, you're violating my rights now'," he said. "That's when (one of the officers) said, 'Shut your mouth,' and 'karma's a bitch. What goes around comes around.'"
Orta's wife, Chrissy Ortiz, said police "are trying to ruin his life" and ruin his credibility.
A scene of Eric Garner (right) being put into a chokehold by Officer Daniel Pantaleo on July 17. The medical examiner determined the maneuver is what led to Garner's death.
A scene of Eric Garner (right) being put into a chokehold by Officer Daniel Pantaleo on July 17. The medical examiner determined the maneuver is what led to Garner's death.
"The video shows exactly what happened," she said of the Garner footage. "He does not need to say anything."
Police brass declined to comment on Orta's claims, but a source said "the facts speak for themselves."
Earlier, the department denied it was targeting Orta after he was arrested for allegedly handing off a stolen .25-caliber handgun to 17-year-old Alba Lekaj in front of a seedy Staten Island hotel.
Orta, who was late to his arraignment because he had been hospitalized for a panic attack, said cops started tailing him when he went out to buy his wife a Yoo-hoo and some Tylenol PM.
"Next thing I know they jump on me," he said. "They searched me, didn't find nothing. They searched the girl and found the gun on her."
17-year-old Alba Lekaj says she 'was in the wrong place at the wrong time' when she was picked up for weapons possession.
JENNIFER BROWN/FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
17-year-old Alba Lekaj says she 'was in the wrong place at the wrong time' when she was picked up for weapons possession.
Orta, 22, is no stranger to trouble, sources said. He has been arrested 27 times since 2009 for offenses ranging from fare evasion and pot possession to a robbery in May. He was also busted twice for gun possession and in January 2013 he was charged with menacing with a gun.
Reached at her Tompkinsville home, Lekaj insisted she too was innocent and that Orta - a man she claims to barely know - gave her the gun.
"I was in the wrong place at the wrong time," she said. "My side of what happened was I had no clue of what was going on. No clue. No clue."
Lekaj was charged with gun possession and also pot possession after police found a Ziploc baggie of marijuana in her bra, court records state.
Orta's arrest came a day after the Medical Examiner made the bombshell ruling that Garner's death on July 17 was a homicide - and that he was killed by a chokehold.
Lekaj had been handed a gun by Ramsey Orta when the two were arrested.
JENNIFER BROWN/FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Lekaj had been handed a gun by Ramsey Orta when the two were arrested.
The video Orta took showed Officer Daniel Pantaleo using the banned maneuver to take the father-of-six down.
Pantaleo has not been charged with a crime. But he's been placed on desk duty and has had his gun and badge yanked.
Also placed on desk duty was another officer involved in the Garner confrontation, Justin Damico. He, however, still has his gun and badge, police said.
The Rev. Al Sharpton and others have called on federal prosecutors to take the Garner case off the hands of Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan.
They said Orta's arrest creates a potential conflict of interest for Donovan because Orta was a witness to Garner's death.
Ramsey Orta, who filmed a police officer putting Eric Garner into a fatal chokehold, was arrested on a weapons charge. His arraignment was postponed Monday.
KEN MURRAY/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Ramsey Orta, who filmed a police officer putting Eric Garner into a fatal chokehold, was arrested on a weapons charge. His arraignment was postponed Monday.
Garner met his end when he was confronted by cops in Tompkinsville for allegedly selling unlicensed cigarettes, known on the street as loosies.
The video clearly showed Pantaleo wrapping an arm around Garner's neck as he brought the 350-pound man down. The doomed man could be heard screaming, "I can't breathe."
The NYPD banned the use of chokeholds in 1993. And in the wake of Garner's death the department has issued an internal order that advises cops on proper tactics for "confrontational situations," sources said.
Most notably, the July 25 missive advises officers "to immediately take cover to the rear, not to the side of the person being challenged, if possible."
"A challenge from the rear allows more time for the challenging officer to evaluate the subject's reactions and also give the challenging officer a tactical advantage,'' the order said. "A challenge from the side reduces response time."
The memo makes no mention of Garner and the NYPD insisted the timing of its release was a coincidence. But sources said the directive was cranked out directly in response to Garner's death.
rparascandola@nydailynews.com
Ramsey Orta arrives at Staten Island Criminal Court.PreviousNextRamsey Orta arrives at Staten Island Criminal Court to be arraigned on a weapons charge on Monday, August 4, 2014, in New York. Orta was busted for allegedly trying to hand off a stolen handgun to a teenage gal pal in front of a Staten Island hotel on Saturday, August 2, 2014. Orta pleaded not guilty and was remanded on a 75,000 bail. (Michael Oates for New York Daily News) Ramsey Orta, who filmed a police officer putting Eric Garner into a fatal chokehold, was arrested on a weapons charge. His arraignment was postponed Monday. Enlarge
MICHAEL OATES FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
The petty crook who made the shocking video of an NYPD officer putting a deadly chokehold on a Staten Island dad claims cops are now trying to set him up for a fall.
Ramsey Orta said the police officers who charged him with gun possession have been following him ever since it was revealed that he took the footage of 43-year-old Eric Garner's death that caused nationwide outrage.
"They lying on me, they doing me wrong," an anguished Orta said after he pleaded not guilty Monday and his bail was set at $75,000. "I've been harassed by the police since this whole video" emerged.
Speaking by phone after his arraignment in Staten Island Criminal Court, Orta said when the officers busted him Saturday they "started videotaping me before I even went to the precinct."
"I said, 'Excuse me officer, you're violating my rights now'," he said. "That's when (one of the officers) said, 'Shut your mouth,' and 'karma's a bitch. What goes around comes around.'"
Orta's wife, Chrissy Ortiz, said police "are trying to ruin his life" and ruin his credibility.
A scene of Eric Garner (right) being put into a chokehold by Officer Daniel Pantaleo on July 17. The medical examiner determined the maneuver is what led to Garner's death.
A scene of Eric Garner (right) being put into a chokehold by Officer Daniel Pantaleo on July 17. The medical examiner determined the maneuver is what led to Garner's death.
"The video shows exactly what happened," she said of the Garner footage. "He does not need to say anything."
Police brass declined to comment on Orta's claims, but a source said "the facts speak for themselves."
Earlier, the department denied it was targeting Orta after he was arrested for allegedly handing off a stolen .25-caliber handgun to 17-year-old Alba Lekaj in front of a seedy Staten Island hotel.
Orta, who was late to his arraignment because he had been hospitalized for a panic attack, said cops started tailing him when he went out to buy his wife a Yoo-hoo and some Tylenol PM.
"Next thing I know they jump on me," he said. "They searched me, didn't find nothing. They searched the girl and found the gun on her."
17-year-old Alba Lekaj says she 'was in the wrong place at the wrong time' when she was picked up for weapons possession.
JENNIFER BROWN/FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
17-year-old Alba Lekaj says she 'was in the wrong place at the wrong time' when she was picked up for weapons possession.
Orta, 22, is no stranger to trouble, sources said. He has been arrested 27 times since 2009 for offenses ranging from fare evasion and pot possession to a robbery in May. He was also busted twice for gun possession and in January 2013 he was charged with menacing with a gun.
Reached at her Tompkinsville home, Lekaj insisted she too was innocent and that Orta - a man she claims to barely know - gave her the gun.
"I was in the wrong place at the wrong time," she said. "My side of what happened was I had no clue of what was going on. No clue. No clue."
Lekaj was charged with gun possession and also pot possession after police found a Ziploc baggie of marijuana in her bra, court records state.
Orta's arrest came a day after the Medical Examiner made the bombshell ruling that Garner's death on July 17 was a homicide - and that he was killed by a chokehold.
Lekaj had been handed a gun by Ramsey Orta when the two were arrested.
JENNIFER BROWN/FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Lekaj had been handed a gun by Ramsey Orta when the two were arrested.
The video Orta took showed Officer Daniel Pantaleo using the banned maneuver to take the father-of-six down.
Pantaleo has not been charged with a crime. But he's been placed on desk duty and has had his gun and badge yanked.
Also placed on desk duty was another officer involved in the Garner confrontation, Justin Damico. He, however, still has his gun and badge, police said.
The Rev. Al Sharpton and others have called on federal prosecutors to take the Garner case off the hands of Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan.
They said Orta's arrest creates a potential conflict of interest for Donovan because Orta was a witness to Garner's death.
Ramsey Orta, who filmed a police officer putting Eric Garner into a fatal chokehold, was arrested on a weapons charge. His arraignment was postponed Monday.
KEN MURRAY/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Ramsey Orta, who filmed a police officer putting Eric Garner into a fatal chokehold, was arrested on a weapons charge. His arraignment was postponed Monday.
Garner met his end when he was confronted by cops in Tompkinsville for allegedly selling unlicensed cigarettes, known on the street as loosies.
The video clearly showed Pantaleo wrapping an arm around Garner's neck as he brought the 350-pound man down. The doomed man could be heard screaming, "I can't breathe."
The NYPD banned the use of chokeholds in 1993. And in the wake of Garner's death the department has issued an internal order that advises cops on proper tactics for "confrontational situations," sources said.
Most notably, the July 25 missive advises officers "to immediately take cover to the rear, not to the side of the person being challenged, if possible."
"A challenge from the rear allows more time for the challenging officer to evaluate the subject's reactions and also give the challenging officer a tactical advantage,'' the order said. "A challenge from the side reduces response time."
The memo makes no mention of Garner and the NYPD insisted the timing of its release was a coincidence. But sources said the directive was cranked out directly in response to Garner's death.
rparascandola@nydailynews.com
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wife of man who filmed chokehold arrested on third-degree assault
Chrissie Ortiz, 30, who is married to Ramsey Orta, was charged Tuesday days after her husband was arrested on gun possession in a move he called NYPD payback for filming Eric Garner’s death.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york...hold-arrested-article-1.1893790#ixzz39d5oIQOq
The spouse of the man who recorded the shocking video of cops putting a Staten Island man in a deadly chokehold has been arrested, authorities said.
Chrissie Ortiz, 30, the wife of Ramsey Orta, was taken into custody and charged with assault in the third degree after she allegedly wailed on a 35-year-old woman outside a Tompkinsville grocery on Tuesday afternoon.
The two women were arguing at 5:30 p.m. when Ortiz allegedly attacked her victim, leaving her with a few bruises.
It was not immediately revealed what the two women were fighting about.
Cops hauled Ortiz to the 120th Precinct, where they gave her a Desk Appearance Ticket and sent her home.
Explosive video shows a cop putting Eric Garner in a chokehold as he screamed: 'I can't breathe.'Explosive video shows a cop putting Eric Garner in a chokehold as he screamed: 'I can't breathe.'PreviousNextExplosive video shows a cop putting Eric Garner in a chokehold as he screamed: 'I can't breathe.' Chrissie Ortiz, 30, the wife of Ramsey Orta, allegedly brawled with another woman on Tuesday afternoon and was charged with third-degree assault. Ramsey Orta arrives at Staten Island Criminal Court on Monday to be arraigned on a weapons charge that he says is payback. Enlarge
Three days earlier, Orta, 22, was arrested on gun possession charges after he was allegedly seen trying to hand off a stolen gun as he exited a Staten Island hotel late Saturday night, authorities said.
At the time, Ortiz told The News that the arrest was payback for videotaping the cops who put Eric Garner in a chokehold.
The video, where Garner can be seen screaming "I can't breathe!" sparked widespread investigations and changes throughout the NYPD.
"(The cops) are trying to ruin his life," Ortiz said.
Staten Island man dies after NYPD cop puts him in chokehold
A 400-pound asthmatic Staten Island dad died Thursday after a cop put him in a chokehold and other officers appeared to slam his head against the sidewalk, video...
Orta claims that cops were videotaping him before he was taken to the precinct to be processed.
"I said, 'Excuse me officer, you're violating my rights now'," Orta told The News. "That's when (one of the officers) said, 'Shut your mouth,' and 'karma's a bitch. What goes around comes around.'"
Police insist that Orta wasn't being targeted when he was placed under arrest.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york...hold-arrested-article-1.1893790#ixzz39d5GNSc1
Chrissie Ortiz, 30, who is married to Ramsey Orta, was charged Tuesday days after her husband was arrested on gun possession in a move he called NYPD payback for filming Eric Garner’s death.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york...hold-arrested-article-1.1893790#ixzz39d5oIQOq
The spouse of the man who recorded the shocking video of cops putting a Staten Island man in a deadly chokehold has been arrested, authorities said.
Chrissie Ortiz, 30, the wife of Ramsey Orta, was taken into custody and charged with assault in the third degree after she allegedly wailed on a 35-year-old woman outside a Tompkinsville grocery on Tuesday afternoon.
The two women were arguing at 5:30 p.m. when Ortiz allegedly attacked her victim, leaving her with a few bruises.
It was not immediately revealed what the two women were fighting about.
Cops hauled Ortiz to the 120th Precinct, where they gave her a Desk Appearance Ticket and sent her home.
Explosive video shows a cop putting Eric Garner in a chokehold as he screamed: 'I can't breathe.'Explosive video shows a cop putting Eric Garner in a chokehold as he screamed: 'I can't breathe.'PreviousNextExplosive video shows a cop putting Eric Garner in a chokehold as he screamed: 'I can't breathe.' Chrissie Ortiz, 30, the wife of Ramsey Orta, allegedly brawled with another woman on Tuesday afternoon and was charged with third-degree assault. Ramsey Orta arrives at Staten Island Criminal Court on Monday to be arraigned on a weapons charge that he says is payback. Enlarge
Three days earlier, Orta, 22, was arrested on gun possession charges after he was allegedly seen trying to hand off a stolen gun as he exited a Staten Island hotel late Saturday night, authorities said.
At the time, Ortiz told The News that the arrest was payback for videotaping the cops who put Eric Garner in a chokehold.
The video, where Garner can be seen screaming "I can't breathe!" sparked widespread investigations and changes throughout the NYPD.
"(The cops) are trying to ruin his life," Ortiz said.
Staten Island man dies after NYPD cop puts him in chokehold
A 400-pound asthmatic Staten Island dad died Thursday after a cop put him in a chokehold and other officers appeared to slam his head against the sidewalk, video...
Orta claims that cops were videotaping him before he was taken to the precinct to be processed.
"I said, 'Excuse me officer, you're violating my rights now'," Orta told The News. "That's when (one of the officers) said, 'Shut your mouth,' and 'karma's a bitch. What goes around comes around.'"
Police insist that Orta wasn't being targeted when he was placed under arrest.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york...hold-arrested-article-1.1893790#ixzz39d5GNSc1
The cops dont take any of this shit seriously and know they will not suffer any true repercussions from their heinous acts. They think its all a big joke. As evidenced by them sending emails of Sharpton as commissioner.
And note how the worthless media have showed up at the door of the teenage girl accused of possessing the handgun yet they haven't once shown up to the doorstep of the murdering piece of shit cop who killed a innocent citizen.
And note how the worthless media have showed up at the door of the teenage girl accused of possessing the handgun yet they haven't once shown up to the doorstep of the murdering piece of shit cop who killed a innocent citizen.
Piece of shit city
this ^^
That is our job though......... you delegating undoing white supremacy to white supremacists?
amended to reflect accuracy
Sorry Beatdown but fuck dem pigs
What time is your flight to NY?
That is our job though.......
I guess in your world you could only resolve things at the point it occurs?
Obama needs to sit in an early education class to come up with solutions?
What is the relevancy of that question?
Don't answer that because the answer is as dumb as the question.
My statement is more profound than this particular incident.
Shake of the hurt feelings and just absorb what i said and apply it in your daily life and world view.
Profound statements dont solve problems. You said it was your job. So I asked when your shift starts.I guess in your world you could only resolve things at the point it occurs?
Obama needs to sit in an early education class to come up with solutions?
What is the relevancy of that question?
Don't answer that because the answer is as dumb as the question.
My statement is more profound than this particular incident.
Shake of the hurt feelings and just absorb what i said and apply it in your daily life and world view.
And my daily life has included running pro bono clinics, adjudicating cases for juvenile offenders, serving as guardian ad litem, operating as mentor for youth and young professionals in various capacities, and a lot of other shit I don't feel like typing right now... So please miss me with the fucking lectures from silicone valley.
I said it is "our" job. Do you not understand the context of that simple statement?
The statement was not made to solve a problem, it was made to shift your perspective.
The expectation that branches of white supremacy will operate to destroy white supremacy.
I didn't ask you about anything you do though, congrats anyway, so no need to get your panties in a bunch.
I never question what people do since we can't know everything about someone on this board.
Every little thing counts. we are all gifted in different fields and can all contribute in our own ways.
That was never my argument or position.
Stop getting emotional, just take the statement for what it is.... the truth
So sensitive...........
I appreciate it but don't need a change in my perspective. I see just fine from where I sit. And by mentioning my daily life you invite a response such as the one you got. Hopefully it changed your perspective. 
And I will never stop being passionate (or emotional as you say) about this level of hatred and evil. You niggas need to stop using that term as your go to condescending pejorative around here. Peace brother.
And I will never stop being passionate (or emotional as you say) about this level of hatred and evil. You niggas need to stop using that term as your go to condescending pejorative around here. Peace brother.
I appreciate it but don't need a change in my perspective. I see just fine from where I sit. And by mentioning my daily life you invite a response such as the one you got. Hopefully it changed your perspective.
And I will never stop being passionate (or emotional as you say) about this level of hatred and evil. You niggas need to stop using that term as your go to condescending pejorative around here. Peace brother.
Nah B, you extra sensitive
"You niggas need to stop using that term as your go to condescending pejorative around here"
Funny you don't put "nigga" in the same category as "emotional"
So when is the civil rights march for emotional people?
Hit up Ralph
Man That Filmed NYPD Executing Eric Garner Arrested On Gun Possession Charges
So now "nigga" is indicative of emotions too? Man get this weak shit outta here.Nah B, you extra sensitive
"You niggas need to stop using that term as your go to condescending pejorative around here"
Funny you don't put "nigga" in the same category as "emotional"
So when is the civil rights march for emotional people?
Hit up Ralph
Some responses just aren't worth typing or sending my man. The above was one.
And the civil rights march for emotional people probably starts the same time your flight to NY lands. Fraud.
elaborate
There shouldn't be any beef in this thread.
Still no charges. Just highlights how there isn't one fuck given by those in charge until it benefits them.
Still no charges. Just highlights how there isn't one fuck given by those in charge until it benefits them.
So now "nigga" is indicative of emotions too? Man get this weak shit outta here.
Some responses just aren't worth typing or sending my man. The above was one.
And the civil rights march for emotional people probably starts the same time your flight to NY lands. Fraud.
You call the reference to emotional "condescending pejorative" and use "nigga" in the same sentence
You a funny dude
Sensitive and funny
From watching that film, you can tell that man put a very strong choke hold on him. And they might not consider the brother as important. But it is a lot of lying going on in the case now. The gracie brothers talking about he died on the way to the hospital. He was killed right there on that sidewalk. That white man choked him like he did not care if he killed him or not.
Then the dude that filmed it being harrased. They may try to force him to come foward with something to make this look different. That medical examiner is a lie. This sounds like the lying that went on in the Kendrick Johnson case.
Blacks need a base of powe before it is to late.
http://oneblacknation.webs.com/
http://blacknation.vpweb.com/default.html
Then the dude that filmed it being harrased. They may try to force him to come foward with something to make this look different. That medical examiner is a lie. This sounds like the lying that went on in the Kendrick Johnson case.
Blacks need a base of powe before it is to late.
http://oneblacknation.webs.com/
http://blacknation.vpweb.com/default.html
Family of Eric Garner hires expert to review chokehold death autopsy findings
Michael Baden, the former New York City chief medical examiner, has been brought on by the Garner family to investigate findings after he was killed following an NYPD chokehold
Emerald Garner stands next to the coffin of her father, Eric Garner, during his funeral at Bethel Baptist Church on July 23 in the Brooklyn.
Eric Garner's family has retained a high-powered expert to review autopsy findings and other forensic evidence in the case of the Staten Island man who died in a police chokehold.
Michael Baden, the former New York City chief medical examiner, will act as a consultant, the Daily News has learned.
The revelation comes a day after Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association boss Pat Lynch panned as “mistaken” the medical examiner’s finding that Garner’s death was a homicide and that he died of a chokehold. Lynch said police didn’t use a chokehold — banned by the NYPD in 1993 — on the 43-year-old father of six.
Dr. Michael Baden, medical doctor and forensic pathologist, will review the autopsy of Eric Garner for the late Staten Island dad's family.
TANYA BRAGANTI FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Dr. Michael Baden, medical doctor and forensic pathologist, will review the autopsy of Eric Garner for the late Staten Island dad's family.
Sanford Rubenstein, the Garner family’s attorney, said the union leader is the one who’s mistaken.
“There is no scientific evidence whatsoever to refute those findings,” Rubenstein said. “The medical examiner’s office is an independent agency which functions in a professional manner.”
The city medical examiner ruled Eric Garner died from a chokehold.
The city medical examiner ruled Eric Garner died from a chokehold.
Baden, 80, has testified as an expert witness in numerous high-profile cases including the O.J. Simpson trial and was chairman of the forensic pathology panel of the House Select Committee on Assassinations that re-examined the murder of President John F. Kennedy.
Michael Baden, the former New York City chief medical examiner, has been brought on by the Garner family to investigate findings after he was killed following an NYPD chokehold
Emerald Garner stands next to the coffin of her father, Eric Garner, during his funeral at Bethel Baptist Church on July 23 in the Brooklyn.
Eric Garner's family has retained a high-powered expert to review autopsy findings and other forensic evidence in the case of the Staten Island man who died in a police chokehold.
Michael Baden, the former New York City chief medical examiner, will act as a consultant, the Daily News has learned.
The revelation comes a day after Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association boss Pat Lynch panned as “mistaken” the medical examiner’s finding that Garner’s death was a homicide and that he died of a chokehold. Lynch said police didn’t use a chokehold — banned by the NYPD in 1993 — on the 43-year-old father of six.
Dr. Michael Baden, medical doctor and forensic pathologist, will review the autopsy of Eric Garner for the late Staten Island dad's family.
TANYA BRAGANTI FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Dr. Michael Baden, medical doctor and forensic pathologist, will review the autopsy of Eric Garner for the late Staten Island dad's family.
Sanford Rubenstein, the Garner family’s attorney, said the union leader is the one who’s mistaken.
“There is no scientific evidence whatsoever to refute those findings,” Rubenstein said. “The medical examiner’s office is an independent agency which functions in a professional manner.”
The city medical examiner ruled Eric Garner died from a chokehold.
The city medical examiner ruled Eric Garner died from a chokehold.
Baden, 80, has testified as an expert witness in numerous high-profile cases including the O.J. Simpson trial and was chairman of the forensic pathology panel of the House Select Committee on Assassinations that re-examined the murder of President John F. Kennedy.
Eric Garner's tragic chokehold death came after order from NYPD's No. 3 to crack down on sale of untaxed cigarettes — 'Banks put the whole thing in motion'
Chief of Department Philip Banks made the order to investigate complaints over the sale of untaxed cigarettes in Tompkinsville, Staten Island, a source told The News. That fierce crack down resulted in the lethal manhandling of Eric Garner.
An order to crack down on the illegal sale of 75-cent cigarettes in Staten Island came directly from Police Headquarters, setting off a chain of events that ended in Eric Garner’s death, the Daily News has learned.
Chief of Department Philip Banks — the highest-ranking uniformed cop in the city — sent a sergeant from his office at 1 Police Plaza in July to investigate complaints of untaxed cigarettes being sold in the Tompkinsville neighborhood, a source close to the investigation told The News.
“(Banks) set the whole thing in motion,” the source said.
The sale of loosies had been on Banks’ radar since at least March, when it was discussed at a meeting at Police Headquarters about quality-of-life issues, a police source said.
Banks’ office also conducted surveillance on Bay St. and took pictures, one of which shows three men believed to be involved in an illegal cigarette sale. The News reviewed the photograph and Garner is not in it.
At around the same time, on March 27, a caller to the city’s 311 hotline complained about the issue, saying a group of men had been selling untaxed cigarettes, and sometimes marijuana, on Bay St. every day for the past three years, a second source said.
The caller identified one of the sellers as “a man named Eric.”
The next day, Garner was arrested for selling untaxed cigarettes, one of three pending cases before his death.
Sometime in early July, a memo was sent to the Staten Island borough command, a source said. The memo stressing the need to address quality-of-life issues was then forwarded to bosses in the 120th Precinct for “immediate attention,” according to the source.
On the afternoon of July 17, cops spotted Garner on Bay St. again. Witnesses said Garner, 43, had just broken up a fight. Cops say the 350-pound father of six was selling untaxed cigarettes.
NYPD spokesman Stephen Davis suggested there was nothing unusual about police focusing on low-level offenses. Cops routinely track chronic conditions, he said.
Explosive video shows a cop putting Eric Garner in a chokehold as he screamed: 'I can't breathe.'
“That particular area of the 120th Precinct has been the subject of numerous quality-of-life complaints and enforcement actions for months,” Davis said. “Among the specific public complaints of illegal activity in that area included the sale of untaxed cigarettes as well as open (alcohol) container and marijuana use and sale offenses.”
A high-ranking police official agreed.
“We address behavior and conditions and not people,” the official said. “That’s what we do across the city, and one of those conditions is the sale of untaxed cigarettes.”
The official said that on the day Garner died two of the five cops were told to keep an eye on precinct conditions. That included cigarette sales, open container and pot peddling.
“They were not handed a pic and told, ‘This guy is public enemy No. 1, get him.’ ”
Garner’s rap sheet includes eight arrests for possession and selling cigarettes.
“Every time you see me you try to arrest me,” Garner told Officer Daniel Pantaleo and a second cop before he was put in the chokehold, according to a video first posted by nydailynews.com. “I’m tired of it. It stops today.”
The city’s crackdown against untaxed cigarettes in Staten Island intensified on March 27 when the city’s 311 system received a complaint about individual smokes being sold in front of a clothing store on Bay St. near Victory Blvd., just four buildings down from where Garner was killed.
The caller said illegal cigarette sellers set up shop outside the 4 Brothers Clothing on Bay St. for three years and were selling loose cigarettes every day.
Depending on the time of day, marijuana was also being sold, said the caller, who rattled off the names of several suspects, including “a man named Eric,” a source said.
Staten Island man dies after NYPD cop puts him in chokehold
A 400-pound asthmatic Staten Island dad died Thursday after a cop put him in a chokehold and other officers appeared to slam his head against the sidewalk, video...
But Bilal Khalil, 40, the owner of 4 Brothers Clothing — who moved his business down the block over the summer — said he never complained about Garner.
“He was friend,” Khalil said. “I knew Eric. I knew him for a long time,” he added. “I would have never called the police on him.”
Other store owners on Bay St. said they didn’t complain to police about Garner or untaxed cigarette sales.
But the 311 tip made its way to Banks’ office where “the untaxed cigarette problem on Bay St.” was discussed, a source said. A day after the 311 call was made, cops arrested Garner for selling cigarettes without proper tax stamps.
Cops found him in possession of 23 sealed packs of untaxed cigarettes and one open pack, officials said. He was arrested with untaxed cigarettes again on May 7, officials said.
Then, a week before his death, Garner was “warned and admonished” about selling untaxed cigarettes, a police source said.
The city medical examiner ruled last week that Garner died of a chokehold and compressions to the chest. The manner of death was “homicide.”
The use of chokeholds has been banned by the NYPD since 1993.
The Staten Island district attorney has yet to file charges against Panteleo, who was stripped of his badge and gun shortly after Garner’s death. The second cop at the scene, Police Officer Justin Damico, has been allowed to keep his badge and gun but was placed on desk duty.
The Rev. Al Sharpton has called on prosecutors to make an arrest or hand the case over to the feds.
Rev. Al Sharpton has called for a federal probe into the July 17 death of Eric Garner.
STEPHANIE KEITH
Rev. Al Sharpton has called for a federal probe into the July 17 death of Eric Garner.
Police Commissioner Bill Bratton vowed to retrain the city’s 35,000 cops after Garner’s death.
“This department clearly needs to do more training,” Bratton said.
Pat Lynch, president of the city’s largest police union, said Pantaleo didn’t put Garner in a chokehold.
“It is not a chokehold,” said Lynch, head of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association. “It was bringing a person to the ground the way we’re trained to do to place him under arrest.”
But Mayor de Blasio didn’t put much stock in Lynch’s comments.
“Union leaders will say what union leaders say — that is historic, that’s been going on for decades,” de Blasio said. “We have a job to do, we’re going to do our job. I don’t let the rhetoric of union leaders stand in the way of getting the job done.”
Garner’s devastated son was stunned to learn that the NYPD’s focus on illegal cigarette sales led to the fatal clash.
“I don’t even know what to say,” said Garner’s son Eric Snipes, 19, said on Wednesday. “I don’t even know.”
“That just messes up my head,” he said.
With Edgar Sandoval and Tina Moore
Chief of Department Philip Banks made the order to investigate complaints over the sale of untaxed cigarettes in Tompkinsville, Staten Island, a source told The News. That fierce crack down resulted in the lethal manhandling of Eric Garner.
An order to crack down on the illegal sale of 75-cent cigarettes in Staten Island came directly from Police Headquarters, setting off a chain of events that ended in Eric Garner’s death, the Daily News has learned.
Chief of Department Philip Banks — the highest-ranking uniformed cop in the city — sent a sergeant from his office at 1 Police Plaza in July to investigate complaints of untaxed cigarettes being sold in the Tompkinsville neighborhood, a source close to the investigation told The News.
“(Banks) set the whole thing in motion,” the source said.
The sale of loosies had been on Banks’ radar since at least March, when it was discussed at a meeting at Police Headquarters about quality-of-life issues, a police source said.
Banks’ office also conducted surveillance on Bay St. and took pictures, one of which shows three men believed to be involved in an illegal cigarette sale. The News reviewed the photograph and Garner is not in it.
At around the same time, on March 27, a caller to the city’s 311 hotline complained about the issue, saying a group of men had been selling untaxed cigarettes, and sometimes marijuana, on Bay St. every day for the past three years, a second source said.
The caller identified one of the sellers as “a man named Eric.”
The next day, Garner was arrested for selling untaxed cigarettes, one of three pending cases before his death.
Sometime in early July, a memo was sent to the Staten Island borough command, a source said. The memo stressing the need to address quality-of-life issues was then forwarded to bosses in the 120th Precinct for “immediate attention,” according to the source.
On the afternoon of July 17, cops spotted Garner on Bay St. again. Witnesses said Garner, 43, had just broken up a fight. Cops say the 350-pound father of six was selling untaxed cigarettes.
NYPD spokesman Stephen Davis suggested there was nothing unusual about police focusing on low-level offenses. Cops routinely track chronic conditions, he said.
Explosive video shows a cop putting Eric Garner in a chokehold as he screamed: 'I can't breathe.'
“That particular area of the 120th Precinct has been the subject of numerous quality-of-life complaints and enforcement actions for months,” Davis said. “Among the specific public complaints of illegal activity in that area included the sale of untaxed cigarettes as well as open (alcohol) container and marijuana use and sale offenses.”
A high-ranking police official agreed.
“We address behavior and conditions and not people,” the official said. “That’s what we do across the city, and one of those conditions is the sale of untaxed cigarettes.”
The official said that on the day Garner died two of the five cops were told to keep an eye on precinct conditions. That included cigarette sales, open container and pot peddling.
“They were not handed a pic and told, ‘This guy is public enemy No. 1, get him.’ ”
Garner’s rap sheet includes eight arrests for possession and selling cigarettes.
“Every time you see me you try to arrest me,” Garner told Officer Daniel Pantaleo and a second cop before he was put in the chokehold, according to a video first posted by nydailynews.com. “I’m tired of it. It stops today.”
The city’s crackdown against untaxed cigarettes in Staten Island intensified on March 27 when the city’s 311 system received a complaint about individual smokes being sold in front of a clothing store on Bay St. near Victory Blvd., just four buildings down from where Garner was killed.
The caller said illegal cigarette sellers set up shop outside the 4 Brothers Clothing on Bay St. for three years and were selling loose cigarettes every day.
Depending on the time of day, marijuana was also being sold, said the caller, who rattled off the names of several suspects, including “a man named Eric,” a source said.
Staten Island man dies after NYPD cop puts him in chokehold
A 400-pound asthmatic Staten Island dad died Thursday after a cop put him in a chokehold and other officers appeared to slam his head against the sidewalk, video...
But Bilal Khalil, 40, the owner of 4 Brothers Clothing — who moved his business down the block over the summer — said he never complained about Garner.
“He was friend,” Khalil said. “I knew Eric. I knew him for a long time,” he added. “I would have never called the police on him.”
Other store owners on Bay St. said they didn’t complain to police about Garner or untaxed cigarette sales.
But the 311 tip made its way to Banks’ office where “the untaxed cigarette problem on Bay St.” was discussed, a source said. A day after the 311 call was made, cops arrested Garner for selling cigarettes without proper tax stamps.
Cops found him in possession of 23 sealed packs of untaxed cigarettes and one open pack, officials said. He was arrested with untaxed cigarettes again on May 7, officials said.
Then, a week before his death, Garner was “warned and admonished” about selling untaxed cigarettes, a police source said.
The city medical examiner ruled last week that Garner died of a chokehold and compressions to the chest. The manner of death was “homicide.”
The use of chokeholds has been banned by the NYPD since 1993.
The Staten Island district attorney has yet to file charges against Panteleo, who was stripped of his badge and gun shortly after Garner’s death. The second cop at the scene, Police Officer Justin Damico, has been allowed to keep his badge and gun but was placed on desk duty.
The Rev. Al Sharpton has called on prosecutors to make an arrest or hand the case over to the feds.
Rev. Al Sharpton has called for a federal probe into the July 17 death of Eric Garner.
STEPHANIE KEITH
Rev. Al Sharpton has called for a federal probe into the July 17 death of Eric Garner.
Police Commissioner Bill Bratton vowed to retrain the city’s 35,000 cops after Garner’s death.
“This department clearly needs to do more training,” Bratton said.
Pat Lynch, president of the city’s largest police union, said Pantaleo didn’t put Garner in a chokehold.
“It is not a chokehold,” said Lynch, head of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association. “It was bringing a person to the ground the way we’re trained to do to place him under arrest.”
But Mayor de Blasio didn’t put much stock in Lynch’s comments.
“Union leaders will say what union leaders say — that is historic, that’s been going on for decades,” de Blasio said. “We have a job to do, we’re going to do our job. I don’t let the rhetoric of union leaders stand in the way of getting the job done.”
Garner’s devastated son was stunned to learn that the NYPD’s focus on illegal cigarette sales led to the fatal clash.
“I don’t even know what to say,” said Garner’s son Eric Snipes, 19, said on Wednesday. “I don’t even know.”
“That just messes up my head,” he said.
With Edgar Sandoval and Tina Moore
Chokehold victim Eric Garner had no drugs, alcohol in system
Eric Garner, 43, suffered a heart attack during his arrest by the NYPD and died soon after. Photo: AP (left)
The final autopsy report in the death of Eric Garner revealed Thursday that the illegal cigarette dealer was not high on drugs or alcohol, police sources exclusively told The Post.
The results also showed that Garner, 43, suffered no head trauma during the July 17 incident, but sustained abrasions to his knees when he was pulled to the ground after being placed in an apparent chokehold as he resisted arrest, police sources said.
Prior to the incident, the report states, Garner had been hospitalized several times for asthma and, on at least one occasion, was intubated, police sources said.
Eric Garner, 43, suffered a heart attack during his arrest by the NYPD and died soon after. Photo: AP (left)
The final autopsy report in the death of Eric Garner revealed Thursday that the illegal cigarette dealer was not high on drugs or alcohol, police sources exclusively told The Post.
The results also showed that Garner, 43, suffered no head trauma during the July 17 incident, but sustained abrasions to his knees when he was pulled to the ground after being placed in an apparent chokehold as he resisted arrest, police sources said.
Prior to the incident, the report states, Garner had been hospitalized several times for asthma and, on at least one occasion, was intubated, police sources said.
National Action Network meeting with NYPD inspector general ahead of Verrazano Bridge march
Friday, August 08, 2014
STATEN ISLAND (WABC) --
The Reverend Al Sharpton's National Action Network is meeting Friday with the inspector general of the NYPD.
Sharpton is pushing for action on the police-custody death of Eric Garner during an apparent choke-hold incident on Staten Island.
Also up for discussion is Sharpton's plan to lead a march across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge two weeks from now.
Some Staten Island politicians are calling on Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo to block the demonstration.
Sharpton says he is open to not marching across the Verrazano Bridge, saying he and his spokeswoman are currently talking to the de Blasio administration and the NYPD about their plans for the August 23 rally.
Sharpton's main concern is that the rally happens. He is open to eliminating the bridge march component if it expedites planning.
Sharpton will not be at the event, but in recent days, he has blasted union leaders who defended the use of the chokehold.
"The coroner says he died in a chokehold," Sharpton said. "Why are we debating something that's been established?"
VIEW PHOTOS THROUGHOUT THE CASE:
Rev. Al Sharpton speaks alongside Esaw Garner, wife of Eric Garner, left, and Gwen Carr, Eric Garner's mother, during a rally at the National Action Network headquarters. <span class=meta>AP Photo/ John Minchillo</span>
Esaw Garner, center, wife of Eric Garner, breaks down in the arms of Rev. Herbert Daughtry and Rev. Al Sharpton, right, during a rally at the National Action Network. <span class=meta>AP Photo/ John Minchillo</span>
Esaw Garner, wife of Eric Garner, left, speaks alongside the Rev. Al Sharpton during a rally at the National Action Network headquarters. <span class=meta>AP Photo/ John Minchillo</span>
Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner, left, and his sister Ellisha Garner, hug during a rally at the National Action Network headquarters. <span class=meta>AP Photo/ John Minchillo</span>
Emerald Garner, daughter of Eric Garner, mourns at the site of her father's death. <span class=meta>AP Photo/ John Minchillo</span>
Ellisha Flagg, sister of Eric Garner, speaks beside his wife Esaw Garner, left, during a service at the Mount Sinai Center for Community Enrichment. <span class=meta>AP Photo/ John Minchillo</span>
Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner, center left, his wife Esaw Garner, center right, and Rev. Al Sharpton, right, attend a service at the Mount Sinai Center for Community Enrichment. <span class=meta>AP Photo/ John Minchillo</span>
Rev. Al Sharpton speaks alongside Esaw Garner, wife of Eric Garner, left, and Gwen Carr, Eric Garner's mother, during a rally at the National Action Network headquarters. AP Photo/ John Minchillo
Sharpton urged police to obey the law and wondered how they can defend the officers' actions.
"They're defending something that's illegal," he said. "Can you imagine me holding a press conference to defend an illegal act?"
Police accuse Sharpton, the mayor and police commissioner of not adequately defending them, and of creating a climate where police aren't trusted.
Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, PBA President Patrick Lynch denied that Officer Daniel Pantaleo used a chokehold while attempting to arrest Garner.
"Sometimes the use of force is necessary, but it's never pretty to watch," Lynch said.
The leaders of the city's largest police unions hit back hard, insisting that Garner's death was completely misunderstood.
"It is not a chokehold," Lynch said. "It was bringing a person to the ground the way we're trained to do to place him under arrest."
The Staten Island district attorney is investigating the death.
Garner's last moments alive, chronicled caught by a cell phone camera, have reverberated around the world.
NOTE: We are unable to post cell phone video showing the incident between the NYPD and Eric Garner due to copyright restrictions.
Map My News
Related Topics:
Friday, August 08, 2014
STATEN ISLAND (WABC) --
The Reverend Al Sharpton's National Action Network is meeting Friday with the inspector general of the NYPD.
Sharpton is pushing for action on the police-custody death of Eric Garner during an apparent choke-hold incident on Staten Island.
Also up for discussion is Sharpton's plan to lead a march across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge two weeks from now.
Some Staten Island politicians are calling on Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo to block the demonstration.
Sharpton says he is open to not marching across the Verrazano Bridge, saying he and his spokeswoman are currently talking to the de Blasio administration and the NYPD about their plans for the August 23 rally.
Sharpton's main concern is that the rally happens. He is open to eliminating the bridge march component if it expedites planning.
Sharpton will not be at the event, but in recent days, he has blasted union leaders who defended the use of the chokehold.
"The coroner says he died in a chokehold," Sharpton said. "Why are we debating something that's been established?"
VIEW PHOTOS THROUGHOUT THE CASE:
Rev. Al Sharpton speaks alongside Esaw Garner, wife of Eric Garner, left, and Gwen Carr, Eric Garner's mother, during a rally at the National Action Network headquarters. <span class=meta>AP Photo/ John Minchillo</span>
Esaw Garner, center, wife of Eric Garner, breaks down in the arms of Rev. Herbert Daughtry and Rev. Al Sharpton, right, during a rally at the National Action Network. <span class=meta>AP Photo/ John Minchillo</span>
Esaw Garner, wife of Eric Garner, left, speaks alongside the Rev. Al Sharpton during a rally at the National Action Network headquarters. <span class=meta>AP Photo/ John Minchillo</span>
Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner, left, and his sister Ellisha Garner, hug during a rally at the National Action Network headquarters. <span class=meta>AP Photo/ John Minchillo</span>
Emerald Garner, daughter of Eric Garner, mourns at the site of her father's death. <span class=meta>AP Photo/ John Minchillo</span>
Ellisha Flagg, sister of Eric Garner, speaks beside his wife Esaw Garner, left, during a service at the Mount Sinai Center for Community Enrichment. <span class=meta>AP Photo/ John Minchillo</span>
Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner, center left, his wife Esaw Garner, center right, and Rev. Al Sharpton, right, attend a service at the Mount Sinai Center for Community Enrichment. <span class=meta>AP Photo/ John Minchillo</span>
Rev. Al Sharpton speaks alongside Esaw Garner, wife of Eric Garner, left, and Gwen Carr, Eric Garner's mother, during a rally at the National Action Network headquarters. AP Photo/ John Minchillo
Sharpton urged police to obey the law and wondered how they can defend the officers' actions.
"They're defending something that's illegal," he said. "Can you imagine me holding a press conference to defend an illegal act?"
Police accuse Sharpton, the mayor and police commissioner of not adequately defending them, and of creating a climate where police aren't trusted.
Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, PBA President Patrick Lynch denied that Officer Daniel Pantaleo used a chokehold while attempting to arrest Garner.
"Sometimes the use of force is necessary, but it's never pretty to watch," Lynch said.
The leaders of the city's largest police unions hit back hard, insisting that Garner's death was completely misunderstood.
"It is not a chokehold," Lynch said. "It was bringing a person to the ground the way we're trained to do to place him under arrest."
The Staten Island district attorney is investigating the death.
Garner's last moments alive, chronicled caught by a cell phone camera, have reverberated around the world.
NOTE: We are unable to post cell phone video showing the incident between the NYPD and Eric Garner due to copyright restrictions.
Map My News
Related Topics:
It is very clear that he choked the brother. But it is a shame that the police are trying to defend such an act. The man is saying he cannot breath. Why are you being so rough on a man that is saying he cannot breath.
What is up with this white dude? A man is struggling to say he cannot breath, but you have no concern for his life. And then how can that defend what that officer did as though they are saying fuck Eric, he is not rich, so fuck him.
But what other things could they have in store for poor blacks?
Some one on here stated that they do not see anyone getting plane tickets to New York. That is a good statement and true. But it is just like in Jonestown. If you are struggling to get away and you have very little strength to try to save you self less known help anyone else.
I just recently had an attempted break in at my apartment recently. I ran to my apartment when I heard all the banging going on and it scared the people trying to break in off. They had tried to beat the hinges off of the door and had almost succeeded. Since then I have been afraid to leave my place for to long of a time.
Our weakness as blacks sentenced blacks to death every day in South Africa. Our weakness as blacks sentenced blacks to death in Libya. We will continue to pay for generations of following after whites and becoming like them, instead of seperatiing and getting our true identity back.
You do not have to defend yourself against a devil if you have become a devil yourself. Our kids are being raised and program to promote a reality that will keep false hood in power. They are being raised to become successful devils. Jonestown is a model of how the world is. They progam you by what they put in your system. They know how the stuff acts and reacts in your system. Just like in a mental instutation. They program you by what they put in you.
There is no danger to the white power if the progamming is not stopped.
http://oneblacknation.webs.com/
http://blacknation.vpweb.com/default.html
What is up with this white dude? A man is struggling to say he cannot breath, but you have no concern for his life. And then how can that defend what that officer did as though they are saying fuck Eric, he is not rich, so fuck him.
But what other things could they have in store for poor blacks?
Some one on here stated that they do not see anyone getting plane tickets to New York. That is a good statement and true. But it is just like in Jonestown. If you are struggling to get away and you have very little strength to try to save you self less known help anyone else.
I just recently had an attempted break in at my apartment recently. I ran to my apartment when I heard all the banging going on and it scared the people trying to break in off. They had tried to beat the hinges off of the door and had almost succeeded. Since then I have been afraid to leave my place for to long of a time.
Our weakness as blacks sentenced blacks to death every day in South Africa. Our weakness as blacks sentenced blacks to death in Libya. We will continue to pay for generations of following after whites and becoming like them, instead of seperatiing and getting our true identity back.
You do not have to defend yourself against a devil if you have become a devil yourself. Our kids are being raised and program to promote a reality that will keep false hood in power. They are being raised to become successful devils. Jonestown is a model of how the world is. They progam you by what they put in your system. They know how the stuff acts and reacts in your system. Just like in a mental instutation. They program you by what they put in you.
There is no danger to the white power if the progamming is not stopped.
http://oneblacknation.webs.com/
http://blacknation.vpweb.com/default.html
interesting point,,,