Death spurs police chief ’s offer to resign

PHOENIX — The Tucson, Arizona, police chief on Wednesday offered his resignation two months after a 27-year-old man died while handcuffed and placed face-down, resulting in the resignation of three officers the chief said had violated department policy.

Chief Chris Magnus offered his resignation during a news conference a day after the death of Carlos Ingram-lopez on April 21 became public, acknowledging the department had failed to disclose the death in a timely manner. The city council and city manager have to approve the resignation.

The medical examiner’s office didn’t determine a manner of death but said Ingram-lopez had died of sudden cardiac arrest while intoxicated by cocaine and physically restrained.

Ingram-lopez was face-down on the ground with a blanket over his head when he stopped breathing. Police had gone to his home after his grandmother called them because he was acting erratically.

Mayor Regina Romero said she was surprised by Magnus’ resignation offer and needed to think about it, adding that he has been “an honest and great” police chief.

Romero, a Democrat, said she was deeply troubled and outraged by what she saw on a video of the incident. She said Ingram-lopez was clearly in distress and that police must be held accountable.

“Events like this remind us that even some of the most progressive police departments with some of the most forward-thinking policies and rigorous training are not immune to failure,” Romero said.

The case emerged as Americans protest police brutality. Ingram-lopez was Hispanic.

Magnus, who was appointed chief in 2016, said three officers who responded “committed multiple policy violations and failed to handle the incident consistent with their training.”