Phoenix police are investigating two separate deaths that occurred Tuesday after officers responded to incidents where individuals were detained or restrained.
One of the cases involved 42-year-old Jesse Fred, who died after being detained by police following a report of property damage at an apartment complex. The second involved 36-year-old Bill Blancas, who died after officers found him restrained during a family disturbance call.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing, and additional information, including body camera footage and critical incident briefings, will be released.
Fred
Police identified Jesse Fred as the man who died after officers responded to an apartment complex near 27th and Campbell avenues.
According to Phoenix police, officers were called around 3:50 p.m. after a report that a man had broken a window and was behaving erratically.
When officers arrived, they located a person matching the description provided by the caller. Police said Fred was handcuffed after officers contacted him.
Officials said Fred had injured himself and appeared incoherent. Firefighters and paramedics were requested to evaluate his condition.
Paramedics determined that Fred’s body temperature had reached 107 degrees and that he was experiencing severe medical distress. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
Investigation
The Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of Fred’s death.
Phoenix police said they plan to release body camera footage and additional details about the incident within two weeks.
The footage release is expected to provide more information about the interaction between officers and Fred before he was taken for medical treatment.
Blancas
The same day, Phoenix police responded to a separate incident involving 36-year-old Bill Blancas.
Officers were called to a home in southeast Phoenix around 4 a.m. after a reported physical argument involving two men and one woman.
When officers arrived, they found Blancas being restrained by another man and a woman, according to police.
Officers placed Blancas in handcuffs after taking control of the situation. Police said they noticed Blancas was unresponsive and immediately requested medical assistance.
The Phoenix Fire Department transported Blancas to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
Review
Phoenix police said a critical incident briefing regarding Blancas’ death will also be released within 14 days.
Critical incident briefings are used by law enforcement agencies to provide information about officer-involved incidents and explain the circumstances known at the time of the investigation.
Both cases remain under review as authorities gather evidence and determine the events that led to the deaths.
Transparency
Phoenix police have said they will provide additional details as the investigations continue.
The release of body camera footage and investigative updates is expected to give the public more information about both incidents.
The medical examiner’s findings will also play a role in determining the causes of death and providing further details about what occurred.
FAQs
Who was Jesse Fred?
Jesse Fred was a 42-year-old man who died after detention.
Where did Fred’s incident happen?
It happened near 27th and Campbell avenues in Phoenix.
What was Fred’s temperature?
Paramedics reported his body temperature reached 107 degrees.
Who was Bill Blancas?
Bill Blancas was a 36-year-old man who died after restraint.
When will police release updates?
Police plan to release more details within two weeks.
