Several people have signed up to speak at Tuesday's Mobile City Council meeting to request the release of body camera footage.
The five citizens want to see the video of the July 2 arrest of Jawan Dallas, who died following the arrest. Dallas' family and civil rights attorneys have asked the police department to release the video. They said they plan to file a lawsuit against the department. However, Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine said it is against department policy to release body-worn camera footage.
Police attempted to stop Dallas, 36, after a 911 caller reported someone trying to break into their trailer home. Prine said Dallas matched the suspect's description. When he attempted to run from officers, Prine said an officer tried to use a Taser on Dallas, but it was ineffective, and Dallas attempted to take the Taser from the officer.
After being detained, Dallas told police he was having difficulty breathing due to asthma, Prine explained. EMS was called out to render aid. Dallas was taken to the hospital, where he died.
The attorneys for Dallas' family claim false arrest, battery and wrongful death against the City.
Prine previously offered condolences to Dallas' family, saying a lot of misinformation and false narratives had been pushed out to the community throughout the investigation.
Prine said Dallas, a convicted felon, was in possession of methamphetamine and spice at the time of the incident. At the time of his death, he had two warrants for probation revocation, which is why investigators say he likely tried to run from officers.
A preliminary report states no contusions, blunt-force trauma or bruising to Dallas' body. An autopsy report or toxicology report has not been released.
The Mobile Police Department, the District Attorney's Office, the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice are investigating.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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