A reported Marine Corps veteran took down an aggressive homeless man who started screaming after he boarded a Subway train in New York City on Monday. The veteran put the unstable individual in a chokehold, which reportedly caused his death.
Journalist Juan Alberto Vazquez, who witnessed the incident, told the New York Post that Jordan Neely, 30, started screaming at passengers after he boarded the train.
“He started screaming in an aggressive manner. He said he had no food, he had no drink, that he was tired and doesn’t care if he goes to jail. He started screaming all these things, took off his jacket, a black jacket that he had, and threw it on the ground,” Vazquez said.
The Marine veteran jumped into action, pulling Neely down to the ground in a chokehold. Vasquez said the veteran restrained Neely, who lost consciousness, for about 15 minutes.
The train eventually stopped at the Broadway-Lafayette Street/Bleeker Street station, where the conductor reportedly called 911.
READ MORE: Marine Corps, CMC remembers Lt. Gen. Vincent Stewart
Authorities said EMS workers tried to revive Neely, who had a history of mental health issues, but they were unsuccessful.
The reported Marine veteran was taken into custody before being released without charges.
Vasquez said Neely tried to free himself from the chokehold.
“He moved his arms but he couldn’t express anything,” Vazquez said. “All he could do was move his arms. Then suddenly he just stopped moving. He was out of strength.”
“None of us who were there thought he was in danger of dying. We thought he just passed out or ran out of air. I think that in one sense it’s fine that citizens want to jump in and help. But I think as heroes we have to use moderation,” he continued. “This would never have happened if the police had shown up within five minutes. Then we’d be talking about a true hero. It’s complicated.”
