TONAWANDA, N.Y. — Despite a recommendation by the New York State Attorney General, the City of Tonawanda Chief of Police will not be disciplined for excessive force.
Documents obtained by 2 On Your Side Investigates show the city disagreed with the AG’s determination that Chief Robert Clontz improperly arrested two boys and used excessive force when he put a teenager in a chokehold, displaying poor decision-making.
Instead, Clontz, then a detective-lieutenant with the department, will receive a letter of reprimand encouraging the implementation of additional training in use of force decision making, de-escalation strategies and the handling of minors.
RELATED: State AG concludes City of Tonawanda police chief used excessive force during a 2022 arrest
According to New York State law, it is illegal for an officer to use a chokehold. The city claims Clontz used a “seatbelt hold.”
At the 2022 Canal Fest of the Tonawandas, Clontz arrested two teenagers. The pair was thrown out of the festival site by security and began yelling and screaming about the situation, according to the AG report.
Clontz followed the two boys as they headed towards North Tonawanda. One boy turned to Clontz and said, “we’re in NT [North Tonawanda], go back to your district,” and Clontz responded, “you think you are. You’re not welcome over here, you’re going to get arrested.”
Clontz twice pushed one of the boys as they walked away, according to the AG. Once one of the boys began filming the ordeal, Clontz tried to place them under arrest.
A scuffle ensued where Clontz allegedly placed a boy in a chokehold for at least 50 seconds while the boy was on the ground.
The arrests weren't warranted, according to the AG report. However, in response to the report, the city wrote that force was necessary.
Clontz also said he had no knowledge that the two boys were minors.
An internal police investigation found the pair was swearing in the presence of other bystanders which prompted the arrest, according to police. The internal report also claims Clontz exercised “professional restraint.”
The city claims disciplining Clontz would violate the collective bargaining agreement with the Police Benevolent Association. 2 On Your Side reached out to the city for comment, but has not heard back.
A spokesperson for the Attorney General's office reached out to 2 On Your Side about the City of Tonawanda's response to the report. The spokesperson said in part that is it good that the City of Tonawanda responded and will follow certain recommendations including updating its Use of Force Policy and requiring all personnel, including now Chief Clontz, to complete training.
The AG's office went on to say the response is promising and shows a collaborative effort to better respond to future incidents.
The AG's office added that it will continue to monitor cases out of the City of Tonawanda that rise to the level of the AG.
RELATED VIDEO: