The Memphis Fire Department is investigating what role two EMTs played in the death of a 29-year-old man who was in police custody at the time of his death.
Tyre Nichols — described by family as a “good kid” who loved skateboarding, photography and his 4-year-old son — was arrested after officers stopped him for reckless driving on January 7.
Police said in a statement the day after the encounter that “a confrontation occurred” as officers approached the vehicle and Nichols ran; they said officers caught up to him and that ”another confrontation occurred” while they were taking him into custody. Police said Nichols complained of shortness of breath and was taken to a hospital, where he died three days later
However, after reviewing video of the altercation, five police officers have been terminated for excessive use of force, duty to intervene, and duty to render aid. And now the two EMTs are being investigated for their response to the incident. The two were in the ambulance that carried Nichols to the hospital.
As the city awaits release of the police body camera footage, the Nichols’ family has seen the video. Their lawyer declared it “violent”, “heinous” and “savage.” The police beat Nichols for three minutes, he said.
