A bouncer filmed putting a man in a severe chokehold outside a restaurant in Baltimore has voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement, according to reports from the authorities.
Kevin Weaver, aged 41, was taken into custody on Wednesday and charged with first-degree aggravated assault after turning himself in, as stated by the Baltimore Police Department in a public announcement.
Video footage that went viral showed Weaver confronting a man and applying a tight chokehold while speaking near the Cross Street Public House on Saturday evening, according to a clip shared by Barstool Loyola.
The victim, reportedly a student at Loyola University Maryland, appeared to struggle and flail as Weaver pulled him off the street while maintaining his grip around his neck.
Witnesses, visibly distressed, shouted things like “Tap tap tap, let him go,” and “Yo! Chill out” in an effort to stop the bouncer.
The chokehold was eventually broken by another man in a security uniform, who intervened to assist the bouncer in restraining the victim, as seen in the video.
This incident has garnered approximately 9.6 million views on X.
The cause of the altercation remains unclear.
Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer, the Baltimore City Councilman for the 5th District, reposted the video urging law enforcement to ensure accountability for both the bouncer and the security guard involved.
“Both bouncers/security guards need to be held accountable,” he stated on X, tagging the Baltimore Police Department and the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for acknowledgment.
A representative from Cross Street Public House informed WJZ that Weaver was not an employee of the restaurant, noting that security for the evening was provided by Ace Event Services Group.
It remains to be confirmed whether Weaver was affiliated with Ace Event Services, according to the report.
Subsequently, both the restaurant and the security company have severed ties, stated the spokesperson.
