Milwaukee police release footage of the moments leading up to the death of Keishon D. Thomas, who died in police custody, and the subsequent shooting and foot-chase 2 days after his death.
Thomas, 20, was arrested during a traffic stop when police noticed he had an active warrant for his arrest.
When they arrived at the police station, officers noticed Thomas consuming something from the backseat of the patrol car. After searching the vehicle, an officer finds narcotics where Thomas was sitting.
Thomas admits to eating “the little smoke” he had when officers confront him about it. A further search of Thomas discovers more illegal substances.
Once inside the station, Thomas changes his story a few times of how many of each substance he consumed. Multiple officers can be heard on video saying that Thomas needs to go to the hospital.
According to footage, Thomas says he is okay and does not want to go to the hospital. He is then placed in a holding cell.
Those were the last moments Thomas would be alive. Detention officers would discover him unresponsive in the cell, merely 16 hours in police custody. He is pronounced dead at the police station Feb 23.
Thomas’ official cause of death will be determined from the toxicology report.
The officers involved in the incident were placed on full suspension. The case will be sent to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Two days after his death, Thomas’ best friend, Darreon Parker-Bell, 23, goes to the police station, looking for information. He then opens fire towards an officer when he is told they can’t provide information on an open case.
Officers take cover and then return fire as Parker-Bell flees the scene.
Police locate him on foot in a nearby neighborhood where he is ordered to drop his weapon. He refuses and turns toward an officer, prompting the officer to open fire.
Parker-Bell then manages to flee that scene.
He is located again, this time in the backyard of a home. Officers order him again to drop his weapon. Instead, he points his gun at them.
Officers open fire again and this time strike Parker-Bell multiple times. He is arrested and taken to a hospital for treatment of his wounds. He is charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide.
No officers were injured in the incident, including those inside the police station. No members of the public, including those inside the police station lobby, were injured either.
