Police investigate viral video of officer putting man in chokehold outside Waffle House after prom

Friday, May 11, 2018
Warsaw police investigate after viral video of officer putting man in chokehold
A video went viral of a Warsaw police officer putting a man in a chokehold.

WARSAW, NC -- Warsaw police are investigating after a video went viral of one of its officers putting a man in a chokehold.



The incident happened on Saturday at Waffle House.



Anthony Wall, 22, had just taken his 16-year-old sister to prom and went to grab a bite to eat when he said he got into an argument with several wait staff members.



From there, police were called to remove Wall, which led to him being choked, slammed, and led away in handcuffs.



Officer filmed putting man in chokehold outside of a Waffle House in Warsaw

"I was pretty much trying to scream for air and trying to breathe because he was holding my throat and that's when I got aggressive with him because you are choking me," said Wall.



Police said Wall was charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct for the argument inside the Waffle House.



VIDEO: Waffle House shooting victim DeEbony Groves' mother accepts daughter's diploma at Belmont University graduation


Shirl Baker accepted her daughter's diploma during Belmont University's graduation ceremony on May 5.


While he takes full responsibility for his interaction with Waffle House employees, he told ABC11 the cop's actions were not justified.



"Your hands should have never been around my neck like that if my hands were in the air," said Wall.



Police Chief Eric Southerland released this statement to ABC11:



"We are currently investigating the whole incident, interviewing witnesses and gathering additional video. We have also reached out to the District Attorney's Office to make him aware of the investigation. Once the investigation is complete and the District Attorney has had a chance to review the case we will provide the public with an update on the findings."



The video, which was posted to Facebook, has been viewed thousands of times.



Wall told ABC11 he only wanted to raise awareness.