Phoenix police release body cam of a man under the influence that died in police custody

This incident occurred in the area of 91st Avenue and McDowell Road when Phoenix police received several calls about a man believed to be under the influence, banging his head against a vehicle, and acting erratic.

Officers were dispatched to the scene and learned the subject of the call may also be bleeding. Tolleson fire personnel were also dispatched.

The first officer to arrive at the business saw the subject of the call, later identified as Caleb Blair, and attempted to give him commands via a public announcement system. The officer saw Blair nude, and acting erratically. Additional officers arrived and Blair was detained for his safety and taken to a shady section of the parking lot. Officers also requested fire personnel, who were staging nearby, to respond to the scene.

Minutes later, the Tolleson Fire Department arrived on the scene and began treating Blair. After a short time, his handcuffs were removed to better provide medical care.

While being treated, Blair lost consciousness. Life saving measures were rendered, and he was taken to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

The officers involved in this incident are assigned to the Maryvale-Estrella Precinct and have 5, 6, and 7 years of service respectively, with the department.

Conclusions about whether the actions of the officers are consistent with department policy and the law will not be made until all facts are known and the investigation is complete. An internal investigation by the Professional Standard Bureau is currently underway, in addition to a criminal investigation. Once the criminal investigation is complete it will then be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

Public records law requires redaction of certain personal identifying information before video is released publicly. That is why you may see some parts of Body Worn Camera (BWC) blurred or covered with a black box. Redacted video is released to local media in conjunction with the release of this Critical Incident Briefing for independent review and publication. Complete, unedited versions of the BWC are released to attorneys and the courts as evidence in a criminal case.​