U.S.

NYPD Is Losing Patience With Federal Investigators In Eric Garner Case

The NYPD says it will go ahead with disciplinary proceedings against officer Daniel Pantaleo if the DOJ doesn't move forward with charges soon.

NYPD Is Losing Patience With Federal Investigators In Eric Garner Case
Getty Images
SMS

The Justice Department has yet to announce if it will press criminal charges against one of the police officers involved in the 2014 death of Eric Garner. And the New York Police Department is getting impatient.

According to several reports, the NYPD said in a letter Monday it will go ahead with disciplinary proceedings against officer Daniel Pantaleo if the DOJ doesn't move forward with charges by the end of August.

CNN quotes the letter as saying that due to the "extraordinary passage of time," any further delay in starting the proceedings "can no longer be justified."

Video shows Pantaleo putting Garner in a chokehold as officers attempted to arrest him for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes. Officials say that chokehold — which was banned by the police department — contributed to Garner's death.

The NYPD sent the letter almost exactly four years after Garner died. The DOJ has said it isn't sure when a final decision on charges will be made.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.