Phoenix Police are investigating the death of 36-year-old Enrique Cantu while he was in police custody.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, just before 2:30 p.m. on September 3, 2022 Phoenix police were called to an attempted residential burglary in the area of 27th Avenue and Van Buren Street. Cantu allegedly opened the front door of a home and was told to leave by the homeowner. He left and walked to other homes trying to open the doors. While he was walking near the homes, he was falling over, hitting his head on the doors, and acting erratic.
Officers got to the scene they tried to detain him and were met with resistance. He was placed on the ground and handcuffed. Officers put him on his side and called the fire department to evaluate him based on his actions. He was reportedly responsive while the fire department responded to the scene.
The fire department arrived and began to evaluate Cantu. During their evaluation, he became unresponsive. Officers took off the handcuffs and the fire department started life saving measures. Cantu was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Office of the Medical Examiner. The actions of the officers will be the subject of an internal and criminal investigation.