Officers Cleared In Man’s Death After They Pinned Him On The Ground For Five Minutes
Three police officers have been cleared after a man died in their custody. This occurred in Northern California, at Alameda Park, on April 19, 2021.
A report was released from the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. It showed that the officers’ choice to detain and apprehend Mario Gonzalez, 26, was “objectively reasonable.”
“Mr. Gonzalez didn’t die due to asphyxiation, nor did he complain to officers that he could not breathe,” the report stated.
A lawyer for the family said that the police officers caused Gonzalez’s death. This was by pushing him into the dirt, placing their weight on him, and holding him down.
In December, Gonzalez’s death was determined to be a homicide. The coroner’s office stated that “toxic effects of methamphetamine” contributed to his death. The confrontation, alcoholism, and morbid obesity were other factors, as well.
The incident started when officials were called to the park. It was about a possible theft suspect who was under the influence. Body cam footage shows an officer putting his elbow on Gonzalez’s neck. Another officer was observed with his knee on Gonzalez’s back.
Gonzalez could be heard gasping for air, saying “I didn’t do nothing, ok?”
