A lawsuit filed by Doug Martin’s parents alleges delayed care after police used excessive force led to the former All-Pro running back’s death last October.
Leslie and Doug Martin filed the wrongful death lawsuit in federal court against the city of Oakland, Calif., multiple police officers and an ambulance company.
Martin, who was 36 when he died in police custody on Oct. 18, was a 2020 first-round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who made the Pro Bowl in 2012 (1,454 rushing yards) and 2015 (1,402).
According to a copy of the lawsuit obtained by USA Today, Martin’s mother called paramedics because her son was experiencing a mental health crisis.
Martin fled and hid inside a neighbor’s house, where Oakland police found him and held him “face down while one or more officers pressed on his back,” according to the lawsuit.
“Oakland Police Department Officers used excessive force … and that force was a substantial factor in causing decedent Martin’s death,” the lawsuit says.
The lawsuit also alleges that police did not immediately call for medical attention despite Martin being unresponsive. When paramedics arrived more than 15 minutes later, they “did not promptly provide medical care,” according to the lawsuit.
The Oakland Police Department said it does not comment on pending litigation. The Oakland city attorney’s office declined to provide a comment for reporters.
