Video: Teen Puts Hartford Cop in Headlock

A police officer had to fight off unconsciousness as he struggled with a 17-year-old who refused to leave a fast food restaurant.

The incident was caught on video. A loud crowd surrounded the two, but no one stepped in to help.

The officer can be seen asking the teen to leave the restaurant and is then pulled aside. Afterward a fight ensues and the teen holds the officer in the headlock.

Eventually the officer frees himself after being in a headlock for more than 18 seconds and being on the verge of unconsciousness, police said.

He then used pepper spray and a baton to subdue the 17-year-old.

Deputy Chief Brian Foley told WTNH that the officer reported he was beginning to lose consciousness and that it wasn’t a pretty thing to see, but it’s the new reality that similar videos will pop up.

He added that police embrace the video use and wish there was more of the incident.

The Burger King has been the sight of previous problems and there are a number of recorded fights at the location among teenagers and others.

Watch the full video here on WTNH.

Image via WTNH