Los Angeles Police put teen in ‘chokehold,’ use of force under investigation
An investigation is underway after video surfaced of an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department putting a teenager in a “chokehold” during an incident that injured two officers, authorities have confirmed.
In an email to KTLA on Thursday morning, LAPD Officer Drake Madison said the department was aware of video the video that showed an officer holding a 17-year-old boy around the neck while the pair struggled on the ground.
Madison said the incident took place in the area of 70th and Main Streets in South L.A. at about 10:30 p.m. Sunday. Officers observed several vehicles double parked on 7th Street, with individuals in the cars smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol.
Officers then noticed one person place an unknown object under the front passenger seat, police said. The person exited the vehicle and attempted to flee the scene and the officers.
It was not clear if he was ordered to exit the vehicle or if he left by his own decision.
After a brief foot pursuit, officers conducted what police called a “non-categorical use of force” on the person.
In the statement, police did not mention the use of a “chokehold,” but instead described a “struggle” that eventually led to the use of a Taser. The Taser was ineffective.
Once more officers arrived the person, a 17-year-old boy, was arrested on suspicion of battery on a police officer. He was first transported to a local hospital before being released to Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall.
Police said the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed two counts of resisting a peace officer against the teen.
Both of the officers who engaged in the struggle were evaluated for injuries at a local hospital. One of the officers suffered minor cuts to his right wrist, upper lip and abrasions to his knees. The other had cuts on her hands and wrists, abrasions on her knees and reported pain to her jaw.
No additional details were immediately made available.
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