TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Tucson’s mayor and police chief have scheduled a news conference Wednesday to discuss a death that occurred during an April 21 arrest.
The death hadn’t been previously disclosed and the investigation comes amid ongoing protests over police brutality, especially against Black men and women.
In a statement Tuesday evening, Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus said the death “as documented in the Pima County Medical Examiner’s report was ascribed to sudden cardiac arrest, with acute cocaine intoxication and an enlarged heart.”
Magnus added that “the person had been restrained in handcuffs. No blows, strikes, chokeholds, knee to the neck, chemical or electronic weapons were used. No shots were fired.”
The chief said three police officers involved in the arrest resigned rather than be fired.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said she has seen the video of the death and was “anguished and deeply troubled” by it.
She abruptly cancelled a city council meeting that was set for Tuesday afternoon, saying she didn’t feel it was appropriate “to carry on with business as usual in light of this event.”
Romero said the city isn’t releasing the person’s name out of respect for the family’s wishes.
She said the family will be able to view the video and police will hold a briefing Wednesday to discuss details of the case now that their administrative investigation is completed.
“In this case, three officers did not live up to the high standards of the Tucson Police Department. They are no longer employed here,” Magnus said.
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