The ECPD recently released a press release regarding an incident that happened in Altoona recently.
Below is the Press Release and link to a video:
On October 22, 2021, Demetrio A. Jackson, DOB 07/27/1978, died at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital following an incident that took place on October 08, 2021 in the City of Altoona, WI. We offer our condolences to the friends and family of Demetrio Jackson.
On October 08, 2021, at 3:28 in the morning, the Eau Claire County Communications Center received a report of a person acting strange and causing damage while standing on top of a vehicle in the 900 block of Harlem St. in the City of Altoona, WI. Altoona Police and the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office responded.
Approximately 50 minutes later, at 4:20 in the morning, Officers Gracia Larson, Robert Schreier and Michael Cullen from the Eau Claire Police Department responded to the location after Altoona Police Department Officers called for emergency assistance. The Communication Center provided information someone was being resistive and combative with officers. Upon arriving on scene, Eau Claire Police Officers observed Demetrio Jackson screaming, and writhing on the ground. Jackson did not appear to comprehend any officer commands. Eau Claire Police Officers coordinated with other law enforcement on scene to safely take Jackson into custody.
Officers worked together to calm Jackson and to ensure Jackson was handcuffed without injuring himself. During the interaction Jackson complained that he was having difficulty breathing, and officers ensured no pressure was applied to Jackson’s head, neck or chest during the interaction that would impede his breathing. At all times Jackson remained conscious and was placed in a recovery position until EMS could safely approach.
Because Jackson complained of a medical condition, and based on what officers observed, Jackson was immediately provided emergency medical treatment by EMS. EMS transported Jackson to a local hospital. Eau Claire Police Department mobile video recording systems recorded our department’s involvement in this incident. The recordings are being made available to the public at this time considerate of sensitivity to Mr. Jackson’s family and the community we serve.
The video and audio footage can be reviewed at the following link: https://youtu.be/90P0X95_V1w
The Eau Claire Police Department is conducting an internal administrative review of our involvement in this incident. This review is currently under way. We understand our community will have additional questions about this incident. Once the investigation is completed it will be evaluated and made available for community review.
The men and women of the Eau Claire Police Department respect the value and sanctity of every human life. At risk of life and livelihood, our officers accept the responsibility to protect others. We take these obligations seriously and understand the important responsibility we have to earn the trust of the community by addressing difficult situations with professionalism, compassion, transparency and integrity.
