Death by Cop 2021-2025
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Breonte' L. Johnson-Davis
Gender : Male
Age : 36
Race : Black
Date : 11/03/2023
Location : Unknown
City : Palmetto
County : Manatee
State : Florida
Agency : Palmetto Police Department
Officer(s) :Julian Jackson
Cause of Death : Taser
Event : Killed by police during mental health crisis
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On November 2, 2023, Palmetto police responded to a call about Breonte' Johnson-Davis in the midst of a mental health crisis. Officers attempted to restrain him, using a taser to subdue him. He later died in custody.
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The exact number of times the individual was tased during the incident with Palmetto police or the duration of each taser application has not been fully disclosed. However, reports confirm that he was tased multiple times while in police custody. The medical examiner attributed his death to "excited delirium" and the effects of methamphetamine, along with his interaction with police, particularly the taser use. Activists have raised concerns about the use of force and are calling for an independent investigation. Excited delirium is popular police jargon, but is not considered to be a serious medical diagnosis.
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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) found the officers' actions justified. However, the family and community have expressed frustration, calling for programs like St. Petersburg's, where mental health professionals assist in similar situations, to prevent further tragedies.
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Advocates, including his family, have called for reform, pointing to training models used by other departments, such as the St. Petersburg Police, which employs mental health professionals in similar situations.
SOURCE LINKS :
WSLR+Fogartyville Report on the Incident:
https://wslr.org/news/palmetto-police-death
