One year ago today, George Floyd died in Minneapolis after a police officer sat on his neck for nearly nine minutes. The nation erupted in protest and demanded change. So, what's changed in the Bay Area?
Alameda officers kneeling on Mario Gonzalez s back highlights dangers of restraint death
Death by restraint not unusual in Bay Area
Mario Gonzalez died after Alameda police knelt on his back. There are several other cases of restraint asphyxia in the Bay Area and beyond as well, despite police training that says people should not be handcuffed in a prone position for a long period of time. Evan Sernoffsky reports.
ALAMEDA, Calif. - The cases are strikingly similar. Law enforcement officers pressing down on a person’s back as they struggle to restrain them. Moments later, the person stops breathing.
Before police killed George Floyd last year in Minnesota while restraining him in a prone position, many people had died under similar circumstances in the Bay Area.
Civil rights attorney asks U.S. Attorney General to investigate Alameda police in wake of man s death
By Lisa Fernandez
Mario Gonzalez of Oakland plays an instrument. Photo: Courtesy Gonzalez family.
ALAMEDA, Calif. - A civil rights attorney for the family of a man who died in Alameda police custody is requesting that the U.S. Attorney General s Office investigate the department s training procedures and supervision over its officers and dispatchers, especially in light of the fact that residents did not call 911 to request assistance about Mario Gonzalez, who appeared drunk in front of their homes last month.
Oakland-based attorney Julia Sherwin wrote the letter on Monday to AG Merrick B. Garland and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan, requesting for their outside eyes on what happened to Gonzalez on April 19.
Mario Gonzalez death reflects intensifying debate: how should cities deploy armed police?
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Jose Gonzalez hugs Goyaa Barrera, both of Oakland, during an April 21 press conference regarding the death of Gonzalez’s friend Mario Gonzalez in Alameda police custody.Marlena Sloss/Special to The ChronicleShow MoreShow Less
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Maria Ortiz of San Leandro places a candle at an altar after an April 21 press conference to demand answers from Alameda police about the death of Mario Gonzalez.Marlena Sloss/Special to The ChronicleShow MoreShow Less
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Cat Brooks, with the Justice Teams Network, rallies crowd to say Mario Gonzalez’s name at Alameda Police Department.Santiago Mejia/The ChronicleShow MoreShow Less