Two EMTs , two paramedics suspended without pay , medical department official says . Police told WCBS that 43-year-old Garner , a father of six , had a lengthy criminal history and had been previously arrested for selling untaxed cigarettes in May . Officer arresting Garner held him in a chokehold ; Garner died en route to hospital . New York mayor calls incident ` ` troubling ; '' NYPD is investigating and has taken officer 's shield . The group says NYPD reaction denies officer benefit of the doubt .
Two EMTs , two paramedics suspended without pay , medical department official says . Officer arresting Garner held him in a chokehold ; Garner died en route to hospital . New York mayor calls incident ` ` troubling ; '' NYPD is investigating and has taken officer 's shield . The group says NYPD reaction denies officer benefit of the doubt .