By Ryan Dunn
The Blade
TOLEDO, Ohio — Family members of a man who died in Toledo police custody demanded Monday a thorough investigation of the events preceding his death.
Aaron Pope, 34, was pronounced dead at 1:14 a.m. Friday at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center. Police responded to a 911 call at 11:53 p.m. from a relative who said Pope was acting out of control at 419 Fourth St. in East Toledo.
Police officers treated Pope “horribly” because of his past run-ins with the department, his mother, Karen Madden, said during a news conference. Officers did not call an ambulance and used excessive force, she said.
“I want justice. This has gone on too long,” Ms. Madden, 57, said of her allegations that police had previously mistreated Pope.
Relatives asked for the release of police dashboard camera footage. James Pope said his brother, Aaron, was handcuffed after he was foaming at the mouth. He was “flopping around” in the rear of the police patrol wagon, Mr. Pope said.
He said he blamed police for not seeking the ambulance and placing a knee on Pope’s chest.
“They had stuff against my brother four years ago, and they have always been hot on his trail ever since. They’ve been beating my brother for years, and I’m not sitting here keeping my mouth closed anymore,” he said.
A cousin of Pope said in an earlier interview he consumed alcohol and likely drugs as well before 911 was called.
A spokesman for the department said police officials have addressed the case of Pope’s death. He declined to comment on the family’s news conference.
Chief George Kral said Friday police found Pope outside the house and extremely agitated. Police arrived with him at the hospital at 12:18 a.m. and immediately told staff of his medical problems. Transporting Pope by police vehicle was quickest at the time, he said.
Officers applied minimal to no force on Pope’s chest while detaining him, the chief said. An ongoing investigation suggests officers acted appropriately, he said.
Pope entered prison Oct. 24, 2013, and was released March 22. He was convicted in Lucas County Common Pleas Court of attempted assault and trespass in a habitation.
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©2015 The Blade (Toledo, Ohio)