Except that chokeholds are banned by NYPD policy. Rightly so. It’s not only a question of the airway, but of damage to blood vessels, risk of vagal reflex (pressure on the vagus nerve alters heart rhythm), possible spinal damage.

You’re not talking about UFC or wrestling here, where the “victims” of the chokehold are examined by a doctor before they’re allowed to participate.

If multiple cops couldn’t cuff an out-of-shape man with a weak heart standing up, then perhaps their training should be examined.

And stop blaming the victim. A bit of cooperation with a rapist or mugger can also save your life. You can file a report later. I see this cop as no better than a rapist or other street thug.

Unless the behavior was observed by the cop personally, there was no need for an arrest or even a ticket. Just tell the guy “you’ve been bothering some people, move on.”