Doug Martin's Family Says He Was Experiencing Mental Health Crisis Before Dying In Police Custody | Defector

"Through a statement, the Oakland Police Department has offered its version of events leading up to Martin's death. According to the cops, officers were responding to a call about a break-in at 4:15 a.m. on Saturday morning. After encountering Martin in the house they were called to, "a brief struggle occurred" and Martin "became unresponsive" after being taken into custody. The police department's statement goes on to say that paramedics were called to the scene, and that Martin later died in the hospital."

"Following recent media reports about Doug's untimely passing, the family wishes to clarify the circumstances. Doug's parents were actively seeking medical assistance for him and had contacted local authorities for support. Feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, Doug fled his home during the night and entered a neighbor's residence two doors down, where he was taken into custody by police. An investigation into what transpired as he was detained is under way."

Former NFL running back Doug Martin, 36, died after becoming unresponsive while in Oakland police custody. Officers responded to a reported break-in at 4:15 a.m., encountered Martin inside a neighbor's house, and a brief struggle occurred before Martin was taken into custody and became unresponsive. Paramedics were called and Martin later died at a hospital. Martin's family said he struggled with mental health, that his parents had sought medical help and contacted authorities, and that he fled his home feeling overwhelmed. Multiple agencies are investigating the detention and death, and the involved officers are on administrative leave.

Read at Defector