NYPD officer charged with strangulation for alleged chokehold in Queens arrest

FAR ROCKAWAY, Queens, N.Y. (WPIX) -- A suspended NYPD officer is now facing criminal charges after using an apparent chokehold during a now-viral arrest in Queens last Sunday.

Officer David Afanador has been charged with attempted aggravated strangulation and strangulation in the second degree, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said Thursday.

VIDEO: 100th Precinct NYPD Arrest June 21, 2020 - NYPD YouTube

The 39-year-old cop, who has a history of complaints against him, was arrested and booked at his own Queens precinct just after 9 a.m. Thursday, according to police.

Afanador was suspended without pay Monday, just a day after being caught on video pinning 35-year-old Ricky Bellevue to the ground and apparently putting him in a banned chokehold in the confrontation on the Rockaway Beach boardwalk.

The NYPD released the body-cam video of the arrest almost immediately after bystander video of the incident went viral.

Afanador was acquitted in a prior case stemming from allegations he pistol-whipped a Bronx teenage suspect and broke two teeth in 2014. The officer has had eight Civilian Complaint Review Board complaints filed against him, including use of excessive force and denying medical attention, since he joined the force in 2005.

MORE:

• NYPD cop accused of using illegal chokehold released without bail - New York Post

• NYPD cop, first arrested under new chokehold law, freed without bail after surrendering in Queens boardwalk bust - New York Daily News

• NYPD officer hit with criminal charges for apparent chokehold use in Queens arrest: officials - WPIX