Teen Arrested After Violent Encounter With Hartford Officer

A 17-year-old high school student is facing a string of charges after a confrontation during which he put a police officer in a choke hold that, according to police, nearly caused the officer to lose consciousness.

The struggle, recorded on video by several witnesses, occurred Tuesday night at a Burger King on Main Street, which police say is a known hangout – and trouble spot – for teens who have brawled there before. The incident began inside the restaurant and moved outside.

A video of the incident obtained by NBC Connecticut begins with the altercation between Officer Roberto Maldonado and the teen. It's unclear what happened in advance, but the officer can be seen yanking the teen out of the restaurant. Then, when the two are next visible, the teen appears to have the officer in a headlock.

Once Maldonado is free of the choke hold, he orders the teen to the ground, hits him with a baton and further subdues him with pepper spray, according to the video.

Police said the teen has been charged with assaulting an officer and inciting a riot.

Maldonado, a 16-year veteran of the police force, has not returned to work as a result of his injuries, according to Hartford police.

Although police said no complaints have been filed against Maldonado, the department has launched an internal investigation into the incident and are asking witnesses to come forward.

Both the suspect and the officer are Hispanic.

Burger King declined to comment Thursday evening.

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