PHX Reporter

The Phoenix Police Department released a Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) video that includes audio, visuals and information related to an in-custody death that occurred on November 30, 2023.

  

This incident began on November 29, 2023 in the area of 12th Way and Roeser Road when Phoenix Police arrested a man after he was identified as the suspect in an armed kidnapping that occurred in October of 2023.

  

A patrol officer drove the man to Phoenix Police Headquarters to be interviewed by detectives. Prior to the transport, the man complained about the handcuffs hurting his wrists. Officers adjusted the handcuffs and added a second set of cuffs easing the strain on the man's wrists.

  

The man was brought to Phoenix Police Headquarters at 620 West Washington Street and placed into an interview room. The interview rooms have audio and video recording capabilities which were started after the man was put in the room. During the time the man was in the room, detectives watched him on close circuit monitors in real time.

  

While in the room alone, the man adjusted his position multiple times. At one point, the man falls back into the wall. After falling back, the man can be heard breathing while inside the room.

  

About 38 minutes after being placed in the interview room, a detective entered to contact the man. The detective recognized that the man was unresponsive and unconscious and asked for someone to contact the fire department. He immediately began CPR.

  

Officers continued to provide medical aid to the man until the Phoenix Fire Department arrived. He was then transported to the hospital.  

  

After the man left Police Headquarters, several blue pills were found on the ground beneath where the man was seated inside the interview room. 

  

One day later, on November 30, 2023, the man died at the hospital.

  

Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete. An internal investigation by the Professional Standard Bureau is currently underway, in addition to a criminal investigation. Once the criminal investigation is complete it will then be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. 

  

Public records law required redaction of certain personal identifying information before video is released publicly. This is why you may see some parts of Body Worn Camera (BWC) blurred or covered with a black box. Redacted video is released to local media in conjunction with the release of this Critical Incident Briefing for independent review and publication. Complete, unedited versions of the BWC are released to attorneys and the courts as evidence in a criminal case.

Original source can be found here.