Pro Tow Observation Essay

On 7-29-2016 at about 1722 hrs I was dispatched to the Pro Tow at 420 H ST NW for the report of a verbal Altercation in progress. Enroute to the location dispatch advised that they had an open line, in which they could hear sounds of what sounded to be a physical altercation between males. Also prior to my arrival, dispatch advised that a new 911 caller was calling to report that an employee of Pro Tow was being assaulted by another customer. The caller, Tabatha
Tarricone, advised 911 that another customer was standing on an employee, punching the employee in the head and then had the employee in a choke hold while holding a shiny object.

As I arrived in the area I noticed Tabatha standing near the front sliding fence of Pro Tow. Tabatha

I parked my vehicle outside of the gate and walked into the gated area on foot. I observed that a black male, later identified by WA ID as Aaron Johnson, was on the back of a Pro Tow employee. The employee was later identified as Ian Salonka. At the time, Ian and Aaron we in between several vehicles and Ian was on his hands and knees as Aaron was on the back of Ian, while Aaron had his right arm around the neck and throat of Aaron.
From the position that Aaron was in, it appeared as if he was attempting to strangle Ian.

I went over to the Ian and Aaron and ordered Aaron to release Ian, which he did.
Then, with the help of Officer Minkler, we placed Aaron into handcuffs without issue and per our training. I then advised Aaron of his Miranda Rights, which
I read from a preprinted card, to which he stated he understood and did not express confusion.

I asked Aaron what was going on, Aaron kept repeating, " he used excessive force on me". I asked Aaron what had occurred, Aaron again stated "he used excessive force on me", he also stated that he was attacked by Ian and that he just wanted the items from his vehicle. However, even after asking Aaron what led to the altercation, Aaron would not further