Phoenix PD Releases Footage Of Suspect's Death In Custody

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Police Department released body camera footage detailing the arrest of a suspect who later became unresponsive in the back of a police vehicle. He was held on the asphalt for several minutes in 100 degree temperatures.

The man, since been identified as 28-year-old Ramon Timothy Lopez, died in custody on Aug. 4. Officials said his cause of death was not yet known but that investigations are currently underway.

In the newly-released surveillance video, Lopez can be seen wandering a strip mall parking lot at 51st Avenue and Indian School Road and peering into cars. The 911 caller that led police to the scene said he was acting "kind of funny" and "holding his private parts."

Upon seeing police, Lopez ran to a convenience store across the street and threw a beverage at officers as they moved to arrest him.

"While running after him, the suspect continued to throw liquid from his drink at the officer," Police spokeswoman Sgt. Mercedes Fortune said in a previous statement shortly after the incident occurred. "The officer was able to finally grab hold of the suspect, and they both went to the ground."

According to body camera video, Lopez rolled into the street and three officers attempted to restrain him and move him onto his stomach. Lopez can be heard moaning and one officer eventually remarks that his left arm appears broken. He is eventually handcuffed and has his legs restrained so he will stop kicking. One officer used the code "237" in a radio transmission, which means they believed he was under the influence of illegal drugs, according to a news release from the department.

He is eventually taken to the police SUV after nearly six minutes on the hot asphalt. He becomes unresponsive one minute into the drive away from the scene. The footage shows the officers pouring water on his head and telling him to wake up. Fire department personnel arrived to provide medical treatment.

"He has a pulse," one of the officers said. "He's fine."

He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The three officers involved are assigned to the Maryvale/Estrella Mountain precinct in Phoenix. Fortune said an internal professional standards investigation and a homicide investigation are both underway, as is a homicide investigation.

"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," she said.