Coconut Creek Police Chief Resigns After In-Custody Death
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COCONUT CREEK (CBSMiami) -- Coconut Creek's police chief resigned Wednesday, weeks after the death of a man who was in police custody.
The Chief Michael Mann issued a statement saying, "All good things must come to an end. I have made a decision that, after 38 years in law enforcement, I will be retiring. It's been an awesome ride but, for the good of the department, I think it is time for a change in leadership.
Mann's decision comes weeks after 39-year old Calvon Reid died after being Tasered by as many as four police officers.
The department never alerted the public about the incident and when the media did learn about it, the department refused for more than a week to release any details claiming the death was "confidential."
After two weeks, Coconut Creek officials broke their silence about the death.
"There is no cover up," said Mann last week during a press conference on March 5th after growing backlash.
CLICK HERE to watch Jim DeFede's report
Mann said on February 22nd at 1 a.m. paramedics were called to the Wynmoor Condos and found Reid in the parking lot.
"Mr. Reid continued to escalate his violent behavior to the extent that Taser use became necessary for the officers' safety as well as for Mr. Reid's own safety," said Mann.
CBS4's Jim DeFede spoke to two residents who said Reid was calling out for help when he was Tasered.
"He was yelling 'baby' and 'help' and 'baby they're going to kill me' and 'I can't breathe,'" said Bonnie Eshleman.
Mann wouldn't say how many times Reid was Tasered but said that he was brought to the hospital where he died two days later.