nws Eric Garner
From left, Eric Garner; the officer who dragged down Gardner on Victory Boulevard; and Rev. Al Sharpton.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – On July 17, 2014, one man's life ended and the lives and careers of several others may forever change in what will stand as one of the most controversial days in Staten Island's recent history.
Here's a look at the people whose fates crossed at a Tompkinsville street corner just before 5 p.m. that day:
Eric Garner
The 43-year-old father of six died when cops attempted to arrest him at Victory Boulevard and Bay Street for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes. Police attributed his death to cardiac arrest. Video shot by bystanders showed an officer bringing him to the ground in an apparent chokehold, with Garner gasping "I can't breathe! I can't breathe!" By all reports, Garner was widely liked and generally good-natured. He did have an arrest record, with the most recent incidents coming over the alleged sale of untaxed cigarettes.
Daniel Pantaleo
The eight-year NYPD veteran, identified as the cop who dragged Garner to the ground, was stripped of his gun and shield and will work in a non-enforcement capacity until further notice. Some in the community have argued that he should be fired and made to face criminal charges. He had two civil rights lawsuits filed against him during his career, including one that ended up costing taxpayers $30,000.
Justin Damico
The four-year cop who was also at the scene has been placed on desk duty pending an investigation, but did not have his gun and badge taken away.
EMTs
The Fire Department has barred two paramedics and two emergency medical technicians who responded to an unconscious Garner. The four emergency service workers, all of whom are Richmond University Medical Center employees, have been placed on modified duty and will not be going on ambulance calls pending an investigation and review of their response, a source said. Their identities have not yet been released.
Rev. Al Sharpton
The civil rights activist joined Garner's family to lead a march of 200 people Saturday, ending at the 120 Police Precinct stationhouse, demanding justice. Sharpton's National Action Network is funding a funeral for Garner.