NEW YORK (AP) — New York City police commissioner William Bratton says it appears officers behaved appropriately in the custody death of a drugged-out man.
Ronald Singleton’s death was ruled a homicide on Friday, and “physical restrain by police” was deemed a factor, along severe intoxication from the hallucinogenic drug PCP. Police said the 45-year-old was acting erratic in a taxi July 13 when officers responding to a 911 call restrained him, placing him in a protective body wrap.
Bratton said Monday it appears the officers behaved appropriately. He stressed that the term “homicide” is a medical definition and doesn’t mean an officer did something wrong. He said the officers were trying to protect Singleton from hurting himself and others.
The district attorney’s office is investigating. The police department will then do a probe.
