New video and details have been released in a Tucson police in-custody death.
Jesus Tapia, 40, died after cutting himself with a box cutter while fleeing from police on April 4, the Pima Regional Critical Incident Team, the multi-agency group that investigates local police shootings, said in a video report posted on YouTube.
The incident began about 7 p.m. when two officers were approached by Tapia who made several unusual statements, the release said.
Shortly after, Tapia called 911, telling them that he was being followed and threatened near the 3300 block of North Oracle Road. The responding officer did not observe any criminal violations, and Tapia walked away, the release said.
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The same officer was then flagged down by a driver who told them Tapia was throwing rocks at passing cars along West Miracle Mile, the release said.
When police showed up, Tapia took out a box cutter and began throwing rocks at their patrol cars, breaking the window of one. When given commands to stop throwing rocks and drop the box cutter, Tapia began cutting himself on the forearms and neck as he walked away from police, the release said.
Police deployed a Taser and non-lethal pepper ball launcher to stop Tapia and provide first aid, but they were not effective. Tapia began running towards an occupied business, the release said.
A second officer deployed a Taser, and police were able to take Tapia into custody. Despite life-saving efforts, Tapia died before arriving at a hospital, the release said.
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