Damon Lamarr Johnson died in police custody after officers attempted to take him into custody for a mental health hold triggered by erratic behavior. Following a prolonged struggle to restrain him, Johnson became unconscious and later died at the hospital. The incident has raised questions about police procedures for handling mental health crises and is intensifying calls to enhance the Portland Street Response, which utilizes social workers instead of police for such situations. The Portland Police Chief advocates for law enforcement not to be the default response for mental health emergencies.
The tragic death of Damon Lamarr Johnson, following a struggle with police during a mental health hold, renews urgent conversations on Portland's mobile crisis response systems.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day expressed a desire for law enforcement to not be the primary responders to mental health crises, indicating a need for alternative solutions.
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