This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
On June 11, 2020, a disturbing video was released showing a black man pleading 'I can't breathe' during a 2019 arrest in Oklahoma.
The video, which was recorded on May 23, 2019, shows officers confronting the man, later identified as Mr. Scott, in a parking lot. As the situation escalates, Mr. Scott can be seen starting to run from the officers, prompting one of them to tackle him to the ground.
As the officers restrain Mr. Scott, he repeatedly says 'OK' and 'I can't breathe' while being handcuffed. One officer is seen holding his knee across Mr. Scott's shoulders, while another officer straddles his back.
Despite Mr. Scott's pleas, the officers continue to restrain him, with one officer later saying, 'I don't care.' The officers eventually roll Mr. Scott onto his side, into what Captain Withrow called a 'recovery position' that would allow 'for a better opportunity to breathe and relax while they maintain control of the suspect.'
After several minutes, an ambulance arrives, and Mr. Scott is taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigations into Mr. Scott's death, conducted by the Police Department, district attorney's office, and medical examiner's office, found no indication of wrongdoing. Captain Withrow stated that the officers were conducting 'academy taught' maneuvers and called for medical assistance immediately once they noticed any medical distress.
