Justice Dept. to investigate NYC chokehold death

A Justice Department official says the department will investigate the chokehold death of an unarmed black man after a grand jury in New York City declined to indict the white police officer who applied the move.

The official said federal authorities will investigate the July death of Eric Garner, who was confronted by the officer on suspicion of selling loose, untaxed cigarettes.

Earlier Wednesday, a New York grand jury chose not to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo. Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan said jurors found "no reasonable cause" to bring charges.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity since the department had not yet announced the investigation.

Federal authorities are conducting a similar investigation in the Ferguson, Missouri, police shooting case.