Family wants more policy changes after man dies in police custody

CHARLOTTE — A Charlotte man died after having a medical emergency while in the custody of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and family members said police failed to get Harold Easter the help he needed quickly.

The entire encounter in January was caught on camera.

A judge ruled in favor of Easter’s family and several media outlets Friday saying that video would be released to the public.

Police arrested Easter on Jan. 23.

Officers said they saw a drug deal and stopped Easter, who they said was found with cocaine and marijuana.

He was taken into custody for an interview at the Metro Division station, but the attorney for his family said he immediately started showing signs of a medical emergency.

“It’s clear, in my opinion, that Mr. Easter was having a medical emergency,” said attorney Alex Heroy. “CMPD, they put him in a room, left him, and that led to his death. While he was asking for help and pleading for help.”

NEW: Judge decides to release video of man having a medical emergency while in CMPD custody. That man, Harold Easter died days after the incident. At 6pm hear from his family and the policy changes they hope the video leads to. @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/yIEA5hpvbk
— Tina Terry (@TinaTerryWSOC9) September 4, 2020

After Friday’s court hearing, Easter’s sister told Channel 9 that she wants the video to inspire change within CMPD.

“Seeing him die when it could have been prevented. The officers are supposed to protect and serve, and they failed,” Andrell Mackey said.

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In February, former police Chief Kerr Putney laid out a new policy in response to the incident. He said people in this situation must have continual observation either in person or by video monitor.

Family members said they want even more policy changes.

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The State Bureau of Investigation reviewed the case and sent the results to the Mecklenburg County district attorney. The office said it is currently looking at the SBI review and could make a decision about possible charges before the end of September.