Carlos Ingram Lopez, 27

Tuscon, Arizona
April 21, 2020

Agencies: Tuscon Police Department - Arizona

Cause of death: Choking

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Last updated: over 3 years ago

Overview

On April 21, 27 year-old Carlos Ingram Lopez was killed by Tuscon police after they restrained him for an extended period. Before his death, Mr. Lopez is seen handcuffed while pleading repeatedly in English and Spanish for water and for his nana, or grandmother.

Chief Chris Magnus said officers did not use a chokehold on Mr. Lopez. But he said they violated training guidelines by restraining the victim in a prone position, face down, for about 12 minutes before Mr. Lopez went into cardiac arrest and died at the scene. While he was restrained, Mr. Lopez told the officers he could not breathe.

The police chief abruptly offered to resign on Wednesday while releasing a video of the in-custody death.

Legal Action

According to a second autopsy, ordered by his family, he likely died of suffocation when officers kept him handcuffed as he lay on his stomach.

On August 4, 2020, the family of Ingram Lopez filed a wrongful death notice of claim against the city and other claims against the three former officers who were dispatched to the scene.

On September 21, 2020, the Pima County Attorney’s Office released a report ruling that the evidence in the case was insufficient to prove a crime of negligent or reckless homicide was committed.

Now, eight months after his death, Ingram-Lopez’ family has reached a settlement agreement. Though, the amount has not officially been released yet.