PHOENIX, Arizona.- The Phoenix Police Department has released a Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) video that includes audio, visuals and information related to an in-custody death which occurred on September 3rd, 2022.
This incident occurred in the area of 27th Avenue and Van Buren Street when Phoenix. Police received multiple calls about a man trying to enter homes, hitting his head on walls, falling over, and acting erratic. Multiple officers were dispatched to the scene based on the man’s erratic behavior.
Two Officers arrived on scene and found the man, later identified as Enrique Cantu III, outside in a residential area, hunched over on his knees. In the video, you can see Cantu gets up, walks over to the officers, and bumps into one of them. The officers then grabbed Cantu’s arms and he resisted before being placed on the ground. The officers then detained Cantu by placing him in two sets of handcuffs.
The officers then tried to bring Cantu up on his feet but he did not comply, so he was moved to his side in the recovery position, while the fire department was called to evaluate his condition.
The recovery position is the preferred position – if possible – while waiting for medical personnel because it allows for an open airway and prevents a person from choking on vomit or blood.
Approximately 5 minutes later, the Phoenix Fire Department arrived on scene to provide a medial evaluation and aid. A few minutes later, firefighters realized Cantu’s condition was deteriorating and removed his handcuffs to provide better medical care.
After the handcuffs were removed, life saving measures were rendered, and he was taken to a local hospital where he died. The cause and manner of death will ultimately be determined by the Office of the Medical Examiner. The Officers involved in this incident are assigned to the South Mountain Precinct and have approximately 3/12 years of service with the department. This incident is the subject of both an internal and a criminal investigation, which will be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete. An internal investigation by the Professional Standard Bureau is currently underway, in addition to a criminal investigation. Once the criminal investigation is complete it will then be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
Public records law requires redaction of certain personal identifying information before video is released publicly. That is why you may see some parts of Body Worn Camera (BWC) blurred or covered with a black box. Redacted video is released to local media in conjunction with the release of this Critical Incident Briefing for independent review and publication. Complete, unedited versions of the BWC are released to attorneys and the courts as evidence in a criminal case.