Police used Tasers on Oklahoma City man who died in their custody

newsok.com

Oklahoma City police officers used Tasers on Demetrius Johnson, 38, who died in their custody after a short foot chase and fight last week, officials said.

The cause and manner of death for Demetrius Johnson, 38, has not been determined, state medical examiner spokeswoman Cherokee Ballard said. Johnson died after the chase and struggle with Oklahoma City police about 7:25 p.m. April 4.

Johnson was driving his car erratically when police officer Bradley Dunn stopped him at NW 17 and St. Clair Avenue, police Master Sgt. Gary Knight said. Johnson got out of the car and ran away. He fought with Dunn when Dunn caught up with him, police said.

Other officers arrived to help Dunn, and at least one of them used a Taser to try to control Johnson as he struggled, Knight said. Investigators aren't sure how many times Johnson was shocked, but it was multiple times, Knight said.

Officers handcuffed Johnson and put leg restraints on him shortly thereafter, and Johnson was still responsive at that point, Knight said. Officers noticed he had stopped breathing about three to five minutes later, removed the restraints and performed CPR in an effort to save him.

Paramedics took Johnson to a nearby hospital, where he died, Knight said.

Police identified the other officers involved in the incident as Sgt. Scott Blankenship, Sgt. Bryan Bartels, officer Joshua Minner, Lt. Trevor Taylor and Sgt. Matthew Morrison. All were placed on routine administrative leave after the incident but returned to normal duty today after interviewing with internal department investigators. An investigation into Johnson's death is ongoing.