The man who recorded a New York City police officer using a chokehold during the arrest of a man who later died in custody was arrested himself late Saturday on a gun charge.
Ramsey Orta, 22, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. Police told Fox News Orta had a previous weapon conviction that prohibited him from possessing a firearm. He is due in court this month on robbery charges stemming from a May arrest and an assault charge from an arrest July 14, according to court records.
On July 17, Orta recorded the fateful confrontation between NYPD officers and his friend Eric Garner over the latter's alleged sale of loose, untaxed cigarettes. The video shot by Orta appears to show Garner losing consciousness after being placed in the chokehold.
The officer who placed Garner in the chokehold, Daniel Pantaleo was stripped of his gun and badge pending the investigation. Another officer was placed on desk duty. Two paramedics and two emergency medical technicians were suspended without pay.
