The NYPD officer who a grand jury decided not to indict in relation to the death of Eric Garner spoke to internal affairs investigators about the case this week. He defended himself, saying that, despite public opinion that Garner was killed after a chokehold, he never used the forceful tactic on the Staten Island man.

Daniel Pantaleo, the officer who was shown on video footage putting Garner in a headlock grip while officers were trying to subdue him, sent the message via his attorney.

"He indicated he never used a chokehold," Pantaleo's attorney, Stuart London, said. "He used a takedown technique he was taught in the academy. He said he never exerted any pressure on the windpipe and never intended to injure Mr. Garner."

London added that Pantaleo was trying to arrest "someone who was noncompliant." He said that when investigators interviewed the officer about the case on Monday, "he was confident and related the facts in an accurate and professional manner."

Garner died in July after officers, including Pantaleo, tried to arrest him for allegedly selling cigarettes illegally. Cell phone-recorded video of the confrontation shows Pantaleo wrapping him arm around Garner's neck. A medical examiner later ruled his death a homicide.

New York's Police Commissioner William Bratton announced a three-day retraining period for officers on proper use of force.

The controversial case of Garner's death at the hands of white officers ignited protests across the country when the grand jury decided not to indict Pantaleo last week. Garner's final words, "I can't breathe," have become an anthem for the perceived racial injustice in the criminal justice system.

The police's internal affair investigation will determine whether Pantaleo violated department policy, as the NYPD prohibits the use of chokeholds. Bratton said the inquiry will likely take at least three months.