Local police did not release the full video of the incident because they said the drowning was very sensitive material, according to a local station, but provided the dramatic dialogues in the video.
A 34-year-old man died from drowning in an Arizona lake while police officers were present ignored his dramatic appeals for help, according to a video from a body camera.
Police responded to a call for a quarrel between a couple when a man suddenly jumped into the lake, local News 12 reported.
Sean Bickings, 34, and his partner denied that there was physical violence between them when police arrived shortly after 5 p.m.
Police told the couple they were checking their names in the database to see if they had any arrest warrants pending when Bickings climbed over a one-meter fence and fell into the lake, as shown by body camera footage.
“I’m going for a swim,” Bickings said. “Am I free to go right?”
Police told the 34-year-old that they would not allow him to swim in the lake as he stood on the other side of the fence.
The Bickens can be seen lying on the shore as an officer asks the others, “How far do you think he will be able to swim?” before the video ends.
Local police did not release the full video of the incident because they said the drowning was very sensitive material, according to News12, but provided the dramatic dialogues in the video.
During the recording, Bickings appears to tell the police that he is drowning and they answer him to swim to the pillar and catch him to keep him alive.
“Choke”, he said.
“Come back to the pillar”, answers a policeman.
“I can not … I can not”, said the Bickings.
“Okay, I’ll not jump into the lake after you.” says another.
“Please HELP ME. Please, please, please “the Beckings beg. “I can not touch him. Oh God, please help me. Help me”.
Bickings’s partner also begs the police to do something to help him. “I am desperate because he is drowning right in front of you and you are not helping”, he said. Reacting, one of the police officers threatens to put her in the patrol if she does not calm down.
When a policeman tried to rescue the Bickens with a boat, it was too late.
It is not clear how much time has passed since the 34-year-old fell into the water and the moment of his drowning. His body was retrieved from the lake hours later at 11:20 a.m.
Scottsdale Police and the Public Security Department are investigating the incident and the police response.
The three police officers who responded to the call were made available on a paid basis pending an investigation, according to News12.
