OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — ABC7 Eyewitness News has obtained the body camera video that shows what happened to former NFL running back Doug Martin before he died in police custody.
Police say he was involved in a break-in at a home in the Oakland Hills and became unresponsive after a struggle with officers
Martin’s former agent said Martin privately battled mental health issues.
The video from the early morning hours on October 18 shows him breaking a fence, entering a neighbor’s yard and home, hiding in a bathroom, and then being taken down and handcuffed.
RELATED: Doug Martin, former Oakland Raiders running back, dies in police custody
The 12-minute video has audio of 911 dispatch taking a call from Doug Martin’s mom. She explains that he was having mental health emergency and left his house in the Oakland Hills.
OPERATOR: “Is he on medication?”
DOUG MARTIN’S MOM: He takes sleeping pills and he hasn’t slept for three days.
A neighbor’s surveillance camera shows 36-year-old Martin yelling, busting a window, and climbing inside the home. Officers arrive moments later; and try to talk to martin who’s inside a bathroom.
When Martin does come out, he struggles with officers and they take him to the ground in a home gym.
Officers yell at Martin to relax and calm down as they hold him on the ground. Eventually, they get handcuffs on him.
RELATED: Ex-NFL player Doug Martin struggled with mental health issues before OPD in-custody death: family
OFFICER: “Keep his legs down. Calm down, alright? Relax. Relax for me. Relax. Stop. Stop. Stop. Calm down.”
OFFICER: “Hey Doug. So, Oakland Police Department, OK? We’re going to get you help.”
According to police, officers check Martin’s pulse and breathing as they waited for paramedics to arrive.
Martin calms down, falls silent, and appears to make a snoring sound.
OFFICER: “He could just be tired. Check his pulse!”
RELATED: Brain of ex-NFL player Doug Martin reportedly to be tested for CTE following in-custody death
According to police, paramedics arrive and can’t get a gurney inside the home.
So, officers carry martin outside.
PARAMEDIC: “Breathing?”
OFFICER: “He’s not breathing?”
PARAMEDIC. “Hey!”
Paramedics then determined Martin stopped breathing. Handcuffs were removed and CPR was started.
We reached out to attorney John Burris who represents Martin’s family.
Burris previously told The East Bay Times that the 12-minute video seemed incomplete.
RELATED: Oakland police won’t release body camera video of ex-NFL player Doug Martin’s in-custody death
Burris told ABC7 Eyewitness News reporter Suzanne Phan, at the request of the family, he does not want to comment on the video or whether the investigation is being handled appropriately.
Attorney John Burris said he has not received an autopsy or toxicology report.
We reached out to Oakland Police, the Alameda County DA’S Office, and Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee.
They say they are unable to comment because this is an ongoing investigation.
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