Death by Cop  2021-2025

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Gary Ackee

Gender : Male

Age : 50

Race : Black

Date : 08/05/2024

Location : El Cajon Boulevard and 42nd Street

City : San Diego

County : San Diego

State : California

Agency : San Diego Police Department

Officer(s) :Not disclosed

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Suicide under police duress

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

Gary Ackee, a tow truck operator, was involved in a police raid related to alleged illegal towing schemes. During the raid, Ackee died from suicide under police duress, with multiple firearms reportedly aimed at him, according to his family. The controversy surrounding the police raid at S&S Towing in San Diego, which culminated in Gary Ackee's death by suicide, has drawn significant attention. Ackee's family has expressed deep concerns about the circumstances of his death and the tactics used during the raid.
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Ackee, 50, was employed by S&S Towing, a company under investigation for alleged illegal practices, particularly targeting immigrant communities. The business reportedly engaged in unauthorized towing and improper handling of impounded vehicles over a three-year period. Ackee's parents, Anthony and Marlene, have publicly questioned why such a large police presence—estimated at 30 officers—was necessary during the search. They have also criticized the intense pressure their son faced before his death, describing the situation as "hopeless" from his perspective. Police negotiators reportedly spoke with Ackee for 30 minutes before he ended his life​.
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The San Diego Police Department's investigation stems from referrals by the City Attorney's Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit, which identified predatory towing practices during its own probe. The unit documented multiple violations, such as improper vehicle impoundments and refusal to follow legal payment and authorization procedures. The raid aimed to collect evidence for potential criminal charges​
The San Diego Police Department is handling the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
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Last update: 11/27/2024.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/how-hopeless-did-he-feel-alleged-towing-scheme-ends-in-mans-suicide
https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local-news/investigations/ackee-death-suicide-police/585-1e3e6b34-bb34-47a4-8581-f0a2381b8269
https://citizen.com/-O3Z1Xfyi2-_8gAE3IxU