TUCSON, Ariz. — The leaders of the Tucson Police Department were about to confront some unsettling footage for the first time. As they gathered in a conference room, the city was experiencing protests over the killing of George Floyd back in June 2020. This body camera footage had the potential to incite further outrage.
As the video played, it revealed a nighttime scene where three officers arrived at a modest residence. A 66-year-old grandmother had dialed 911 when her 27-year-old grandson, Carlos Adrian Ingram Lopez, became aggressive. Ingram Lopez was found naked and under the influence of cocaine in a small, dark garage. The officers instructed him to lie on the ground, and he complied, briefly illuminated as he settled on all fours.
The emotional intensity of the video hit hard; Ingram Lopez’s cries for help echoed through the conference room as officers restrained him by handcuffing his arms behind his back. There was a noticeable awkwardness among the leaders present, their reluctance to discuss the situation palpable. Although the footage was not complete, they knew it wouldn’t end well.
Prior to Floyd’s murder, Tucson had adopted a progressive policing approach aimed at reforming law enforcement practices. Programs focused on providing services to nonviolent offenders and homeless individuals demonstrate this evolution in thought. The previous chief, Chris Magnus, had been vocal about the importance of reform, writing about the value of training and accountability to prevent fatal encounters like Floyd’s.
However, Tucson found itself facing its own crisis with Ingram Lopez’s distressing death, which involved rapid escalation of force and chilling echoes of Floyd’s last words: “I can’t breathe.” An investigation into the incident highlighted a disconnect between the department’s policies and the actions of its officers on the ground, exposing the complexities of police culture and communication.
In the early hours of April 21, 2020, police responded to the grandmother’s call, responding to her report that Ingram Lopez was acting erratically due to his drug use. His history of substance abuse and recent lack of sleep contributed to his unstable state. Despite being cooperative initially, officers restrained him face down for 12 heated minutes, during which they ignored his struggles and pleas.
Ingram Lopez’s death arose from “sudden cardiac arrest in the setting of acute cocaine intoxication and physical restraint,” as concluded by a medical examination. His size and the dangerous nature of the restraint used were factors leading to his tragic fate. Family anguish was palpable, with his grandmother burdened by guilt over the incident.
Why it took nearly eight weeks for police leadership to view the video raised further concerns. The department initiated an internal probe, which often seeks to determine whether policies have been breached. Yet, it became evident that there was an effort to downplay the severity of the officers’ actions. Text exchanges between key investigators showed a reluctance to recognize the gravity of potential policy violations, with one officer referring to a detainment within a standard context.
As an internal investigation unfolded, most of the officers involved in the incident were deemed inexperienced, and no formal critique was visible within their initial assessments. Later, when accountability became unavoidable, department leaders were left shaken after viewing the footage, recognizing the parallels between Ingram Lopez’s encounter and that of Floyd.
The department eventually confronted the public after a media leak regarding the death. Chief Magnus, flanked by city representatives, spoke to reporters, acknowledging the disturbing nature of the footage and promising accountability. He noted that the involved officers had not intended to cause harm but had deviated from established protocols, which led to their resignation.
Despite efforts for transparency, unanswered questions lingered regarding the police culture and systemic issues possibly influencing reactions to these fatal encounters. Chief Kasmar acknowledged the importance of changing the department’s culture while also advocating for deeper connections between officers and the communities they serve.
Subsequent reforms prompted by the responses to Ingram Lopez’s death and previous incidents are aimed at improving training approaches, including better responses to medical distress calls and the elimination of controversial practices, like the use of spit masks. Changes to oversight and increased scrutiny of body camera footage can potentially foster greater accountability within the department.
While the road to reform may appear lengthy and difficult, Kasmar remains hopeful for meaningful transformations, despite robust skepticism from some advocates. In efforts to bridge gaps in trust and communication, Tucson Police are undertaking significant internal evaluations, aiming for greater understanding and collaboration within the community.
The journey to developing a more reliable and transparent police department amidst the backdrop of national scrutiny continues, as Tucson strives for healing and justice in the wake of memorable incidents.
