(Reuters) - A man who filmed a New York
City police officer use a choke hold on a suspect who later died has
been arrested on weapons charges, law enforcement officials said on
Sunday.
Ramsey Orta, 22, and a 17-year-old female were spotted on Saturday
outside a known drug location on Staten Island by narcotics officers
who saw Orta put a handgun in his companion's waistband, the New
York Police Department said.
Orta, who has a previous criminal conviction, faces two charges of
criminal possession of a weapon.
At some point during his arrest, Orta told officers, "You're just
mad because I filmed your boy," an NYPD spokeswoman said.
The comment was apparently in reference to the July 17 cellphone
video shot by Orta during the arrest of Eric Garner, who was placed
in a choke hold by a police officer while being detained for
peddling illegal cigarettes.
Garner later died, and the New York City medical examiner ruled the
his death a homicide.
Footage of the incident circulated widely on the Internet,
triggering outrage and raising questions about police tactics and
use of force.
The choke hold is banned by the NYPD, which says it is investigating
why the maneuver was used.
Police did not immediately comment on Orta's assertion that he was
arrested as retribution for taking the video.
The New York City Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, the largest
union representing NYPD officers, said in a statement that it was
"criminals like Mr. Orta who carry illegal firearms who stand to
benefit the most by demonizing the good work of police officers."
"Sadly, in the effort to keep neighborhoods like Tompkinsville safe,
a tragedy occurred. But that doesn't change the fact that police
officers routinely risk their lives for the benefit of the
community," the statement said.
(Reporting by Victoria Cavaliere; Editing by Daniel Wallis; Editing
by Sandra Maler)
