A 24 year-old man died on September 20 after being tased by three police officers’ as he exited Atlanta, Georgia’s Imagine Music Festival. Although what precipitated the encounter is currently unclear, the GBI will investigate whether the authorities demonstrated unnecessary force and if so, whether it lead to the death of the attendee, Fernando Rodriguez. The GBI will review body camera footage from officers on the scene to make this determination and will also conduct an autopsy.

Hampton police were reportedly dispatched to Oak Street at approximately 10pm after receiving a 911 call indicated that Rodriguez had publicly undressed. GBI spokeswoman, Nelly Miles, said Rodriguez “became combative” once police approached him. Police are said to have tased Rodriguez after he continued to resist.

“Multiple officers tased him. He did go into medical distress [and] they attempted to respond to that. He was taken to the hospital and he later died as a result of what happened during that incident,” Miles said.

Several bystanders witnessed the exchange. One woman recorded the interaction and streamed it on her Facebook page, Channel 2 reported.

H/T: AJC

Tags: imagine festival, police, taser

Categories: News