Public Safety Incident, April 13 2022
As part of its ongoing commitment to public transparency, the City is releasing body-worn camera (BWC) video and details of an incident that occurred in the 5700 block of E. Fairmount St. on the morning of April 13, 2022. The Public Safety Communication Department (PSCD), Tucson Police Department (TPD), and Tucson Fire Department (TFD) all participated in the response to the incident.
PSCD received multiple 911 calls regarding an erratic male who was on the roof of another person's home and armed with multiple weapons. One caller advised that the man had consumed a drink that made him “trip out.” Two TPD officers responded to the scene and discovered a man on the roof of the home armed with two knives. The man, later identified as 34-year-old Jaime Herrera, shouted threats and other statements at officers. At one point, Mr. Herrera threw a brick at an officer.
The responding officers called for additional officers to assist, including officers with Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). Mr. Herrera began running on the rooftop with a knife and brick in his hand. Officers attempted to establish a dialogue with Mr. Herrera, in both English and Spanish, to de-escalate the situation and offer him water.
Mr. Herrera made his way to the edge of the roof and onto a tree. He fell from the tree to the ground, still armed with a knife; at which time an officer deployed his taser. A fight ensued as Mr. Herrera resisted arrest. One of the officers was able to kick the knife away from Mr. Herrera, who then ran toward the officer while yelling. The officer pushed him down. During the struggle that followed, Mr. Herrera bit down on the officer’s thumb.
As additional officers arrived, they were eventually able to place Mr. Herrera in handcuffs and turn him on his side, also known as the “recovery position.” Officers noticed that Mr. Herrera appeared to be losing consciousness, and they urged him to stay awake.
TFD medics were cleared to enter the scene and began rendering aid and medical care to Mr. Herrera. A “bio guard”, which is designed to protect against the transmission of bodily fluids, was placed on his head and a WRAP device, which is the latest technology in restraint devices, was used to prevent Mr. Herrera from kicking or hitting anyone and to create a safe environment for both Mr. Herrera and the providers to treat Mr. Herrera and transport him to a hospital.
Mr. Herrera was placed onto a gurney and transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital. During the transport to the hospital, TFD paramedics continued to administer care and completed a rapid patient assessment, all in accordance with established medical protocols. The injured officer was also taken to a nearby hospital.
While enroute to the hospital, Mr. Herrera had a cardiac event. TFD Medics immediately began performing CPR and advanced life support interventions and continued those measures until they arrived at the hospital. Because of these actions, Mr. Herrera did regain a pulse and respirations. The City has now learned that Mr. Herrera died this afternoon at the hospital.
BWC footage from this incident can be viewed online here:
https://youtu.be/ty2L435PDis
As per City policy, incidents of this kind are investigated by TPD's Office of Professional Standards. This matter will also be reviewed by TPD's Force Review Board. Additionally, TFD will be reviewing compliance with the applicable protocols associated with this incident. Once completed and available, the findings will be released.
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