PHOENIX — The family of Phoenix man who died in a Maricopa County jail two years ago has filed a lawsuit, alleging police officers used unreasonable force during his arrest.
The suit filed last Friday in federal court seeks unspecified general and punitive damages.
The Arizona Republic reports 31-year-old Akeem Terrell was taken into custody after he refused to leave a New Year’s Day party in 2021.
According to the lawsuit, up to seven Phoenix police officers were on top of Terrell in a jail isolation cell and holding him down as they changed his handcuffs.
Terrell’s family contends newly released body camera footage shows officers filing out of the cell, leaving him motionless and face down on the floor.
The suit alleges police delayed summoning medical care for the 6-foot-2 Terrell, who reportedly weighed more than 400 pounds.
The city of Phoenix declined to comment on the lawsuit. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office didn’t immediately return an email Wednesday from the Associated Press seeking comment on the lawsuit.
See the full lawsuit here:
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12 News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.