Lansing police sued over April jail death; ‘I can’t breathe’

LANSING » Police in Lansing are being sued by the family of a man who died in a jail last spring.

Officers pinned Anthony Hulon to the ground on his chest and stomach, interfering with his ability to breathe, according to the lawsuit.

Hulon, 54, died from asphyxia, or suffocation, and his death was ruled a homicide by the Ingham County medical examiner, attorney Jennifer Damico said Monday.

“I can’t breathe. ... I’m passing out,” Hulon said, according to a video of the April 11 incident.

At one point, an officer asked, “Is he sleeping?”

Hulon was in jail for domestic violence. He had been returned to the lockup after being takento a hospital where methamphetamine and ecstasy were detected. Hulon was agitated and fighting officers.

“It’s tragic that we continue to see more and more instances of police brutality,” Damico said. “This department, once and for all, needs to be held accountable.”

Lansing police and city officials declined to comment on the lawsuit. State police investigated Hulon’s death and sent a report to the attorney general’s office. The in--