Bodycam video, 911 calls released after man dies in Phoenix police custody

The Phoenix Police department has released 911 calls and body camera video after a 19-year-old man died while in their custody on June 10.

Police were called to a business near 91st Avenue and McDowell for reports of an injured person and found a man who was rolling on the ground and seemed to be impaired. Witnesses said he was banging his head against a vehicle and acting erratically.

The man, identified as 19-year-old Caleb Blair, was shirtless and had his pants around his ankles.

Officers reportedly handcuffed Blair before he was moved somewhere else to be medically evaluated.

"Additional officers got to the business, and Blair was placed in handcuffs without further incident," police said in a statement. "For his safety, he was taken to a shaded area and the fire department was requested to evaluate him."

Blair went unconscious, and police say they then removed his handcuffs while Tolleson fire crews tried to resuscitate him.

The 19-year-old died at the hospital.

Phoenix police say the actions of the officers involved will be subject to "an internal and criminal investigation." The officers were assigned to the Maryvale-Estrella Precinct and have between 5 to 7 years of experience.

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