No charges for DeKalb police officer seen choking, Tasering man in viral arrest video

Thursday, December 26, 2019
DEKALB, Ill. (WLS) -- The DeKalb police officer at the center of a viral video showing an arrest in August will not be charged.

Police officers pulled 25-year-old Elonte McDowell over, later saying he fit the description of a drug suspect they were looking for.

RELATED: DeKalb video appears to show police choke, Taser man during arrest for marijuana possession

He admitted at the time he had marijuana in his car.

In video of the arrest that went viral, several officers can be seen pinning him to the ground, including one who had him in a chokehold.

RELATED: DeKalb police release new footage after viral video appears to show cops choke, Taser man

McDowell is heard on the video, which was recorded by his girlfriend, saying that he's unable to breathe. His girlfriend was in the passenger seat when McDowell was pulled over.

The DeKalb Police Department said while the officer who placed McDowell in a chokehold will not face criminal charges, the department will be conducting an internal review.

RELATED: DeKalb police meet with community after viral video appears to show cops choke, Taser man

The department will also get a report from Illinois State Police before making a decision as to whether the officer will face disciplinary action.
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