COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – The Coconut Creek police chief is defending his officers after a 39-year-old man died after he was tased multiple times.
Chief Michael Mann said during a news conference Thursday that Calvon Reid "exhibited threatening behavior and appeared to be hallucinating" during his Feb. 22 encounter with officers at the Wynmoor community.
"Mr. Reid was repeatedly advised to stop resisting by the uniformed officers, but he refused to comply," Mann said. "Mr. Reid continued to escalate his violent behavior to the extent that Taser use became necessary for the officers' safety, as well as for Mr. Reid's own safety."
Reid's father, Calvin Reid, of Greenville, South Carolina, said in a phone interview that he was told by a police sergeant that his son, who was working for a meat company in Broward County, mysteriously turned up behind the gated walls about 1:30 a.m., bleeding from unknown injuries and asking for help.
The elder Reid said he was informed that an elderly couple called 911 to get him medical attention but that when EMTs arrived he refused treatment.
He said that his son allegedly tried to run away from police they used a Taser at least three times before going into cardiac arrest.
Reid's father said he was told his son also complained to police of breathing problems while he was being apprehended.
Reid, who has a history of drug-related arrests, died two days later at Northwest Medical Center, the police chief said.
One source told Local 10 News that as many as four officers may have tased Reid.
Mann wouldn't comment on how many officers were involved, citing the ongoing investigation.
"There was no cover-up," Mann said.
The state attorney's office said it is aware of the death and will investigate once any internal investigation is completed by the Coconut Creek Police Department.
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