Black Man Dies 1 Week After Being Shocked With Stun Gun During Arrest

John Scott Jr. died on Tuesday, a week after being shocked with a stun gun during an arrest in Decatur, Alabama, according to police. Body camera footage released by the Decatur Police Department captures the incident outside his mother's home on April 15. The footage shows Scott initially interacting calmly with officers, shaking their hands and asking their names. 

However, the encounter escalates when Scott, who was reportedly sweating profusely and appeared agitated, refuses to enter an ambulance. After roughly 15 minutes of attempting to persuade him to seek medical attention, officers decide to handcuff Scott, deploying a stun gun and striking him near the head as he resists. Scott is heard saying, "I can't breathe," before being restrained and placed in a police vehicle, where a spit hood is applied after an officer claims Scott spat on him.

Scott's family attorney, Lee Merritt, told ABC News that Scott took medication for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and was not known to have pre-existing physical conditions. Merritt said the family will conduct an independent autopsy, as the exact cause of death remains unclear. The Morgan County Coroner confirmed Scott's autopsy is complete, but results could take two more months due to ongoing investigations.

Police allege that Scott exhibited signs of drug use, but a mental health liaison who assessed him at the scene found no immediate danger, stating Scott did not meet the criteria for involuntary hospitalization. Merritt disputed this, noting that Scott's active warrant was for a minor traffic incident and did not justify the level of force used.

Scott's family plans to file a lawsuit within 30 days, Merritt added. The Decatur Police Department has requested assistance from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the FBI in their investigation. The FBI stated it is aware of the incident and will review any evidence of federal law violations.

Link: ABCNews