LOS ANGELES (AP) — Prosecutors on Wednesday charged seven California Highway Patrol officers and a nurse with manslaughter in connection with the 2020 death of a man who screamed “I can’t breathe,” while several officers were arrested while trying to take a blood sample.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced charges in the death of Edward Bronstein, which the Los Angeles County medical examiner said was caused by “acute methamphetamine intoxication while in police custody.”
“The officers had a legal obligation to Mr. Bronstein,” Gascón said during a news conference. “He was in their custody. We believe that they failed in their duty and that their failure was criminally negligent in causing his death.”
In a statement, CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee offered his condolences to Bronstein’s family and said the agency’s mission is to prioritize the safety of all Californians.
“I am saddened that Mr. Bronstein died while in our custody and care. Any death in custody is a tragedy that we take very seriously,” Duryee said. “I recognize that this case will now go through the justice system and I respect the judicial process.”
Bronstein, 38, was pulled over by CHP officers on March 31, 2020, following a traffic stop. Bronstein died less than two months before George Floyd was shot dead by Minneapolis police because he, too, repeatedly told officers, “I can’t breathe.”
A nearly 18-minute video showing how officers treated Bronstein was released last year following a judge’s order.
The six CHP officers and a sergeant charged in his death face one count each of manslaughter and one count of assault under color of authority. Each faces up to four years in prison.
The nurse is charged with manslaughter.
The court hearing has not yet been scheduled.
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