More than 200 arrested in second night of NYC Eric Garner protests

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y., Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Police arrested more than 200 people overnight in protests in New York as demonstrators marched against the chokehold death of Eric Garner.

Thousands protested around the country for a second night Thursday, two days after a grand jury declined to indict New York City Police Officer Daniel Pantaleo in Garner's July 17 homicide.

In New York, demonstrators carried makeshift coffins across the Brooklyn bridge, held "die-ins" and blocked roads, chanting "no justice, no peace," and "I can't breathe."

Officers arrested 223 people, including two for felony assaulting a police officer and one felony reckless endangerment. The majority of the rest were charged with disorderly conduct, including Randi Weingarten, president of the teachers union American Federation of Teachers.

Added to the 83 arrests on Wednesday night, the total number of people taken into custody protesting the indictment decision in New York is 306.

Demonstrators clashed with police at several points, throwing trashcans and metal barricades. Police used pepper spray in at least one confrontation.

Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges were both closed at points overnight due to the crowds.

Police commissioner Bill Bratton said protesters committed few acts of vandalism or violence, aside from a few spray painted patrol cars.

"All and all, apart from the significant traffic disruptions, we've been doing OK," Bratton said.

Garner, 43, was spotted selling untaxed cigarettes and was confronted by plainclothes officers. Video of the incident shows Garner backing away from officers as Pantaleo comes around behind him and places him in a chokehold -- a move banned by the NYPD in 1993.

Despite the asthmatic Garner begging to be let go, telling officers several times "I can't breathe," the officer and three others continued to hold him down until he died.