Family calls for Rochester police to be charged after man dies from asphixation

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The family of Daniel Prude, who died after Rochester, New York, police arrested him during a mental health emergency earlier this year is calling for charges.

Body cam footage

Newly released body camera footage showed officers pinning him on the ground and placing a bag over his head before he lost consciousness.

His death received no public attention until Wednesday, when his family held a news conference.

During the conference they released police body camera video and written reports they obtained through a public records request.

Rochester police called for Daniel Prude

Prude, 41, of Chicago, was visiting his brother in Rochester when his brother called police because Daniel was having a mental episode.

The body cam video shows Rochester officers detaining a naked Daniel Prude in the early hours of March 23 and was ordered to lie on the ground.

Police put his hands behind his back and handcuffed him.

The video shows Prude yelling and spitting as he lies completely naked on the snow-covered ground. A white spit hood is placed on his head.

Later, an officer appears to be pushing his head into the pavement.

Prude was taken to the hospital.

He died seven days later on March 30 after being taken off life support.

His death was ruled a homicide, caused by “complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint.”

Prude was admitted to the hospital hours before

Joe Prude said he admitted his brother to a hospital for help hours before the incident, but Daniel Prude was released after a short time.

Joe Prude added he told officers that his brother was not a threat to anyone but himself and asked them not to kill him.

“They knew the mental distress he was in,” Joe Prude told reporters.

“The man is defenseless, butt-naked on the ground. He was cuffed up already,” said Daniel Prude’s brother, Joe Prude to CBS Chicago.

“I mean, come on. How many more brothers need to die for society to understand that this needs to stop?”

Mayor calls video disturbing

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren called the video “disturbing” and said they are still waiting for Attorney General Letitia James’ office to give a report.

James said in a statement that her office is actively investigating the incident.

“As with every investigation, we will follow the facts of this case and ensure a complete and thorough examination of all relevant parties. We will work tirelessly to provide the transparency and accountability that all our communities deserve,” she said in the statement.

Rochester police officers involved with Daniel Prude

Seven officers involved in the incident have been suspended with pay pending an investigation.

“I am suspending the officers in question today against council’s advice, and I urge the attorney general to complete her investigation,” Rochester’s Mayor Lovely Warren said.

“I understand that the union may sue the city for this, they shall feel free to do so — I have been sued before.”