Body Camera Footage Shows Damon Lamarr Johnson Died While Restrained By Police

Newly released body camera footage shows the moments leading up to Damon Lamarr Johnson's death after Portland police restrained him in his apartment on June 27. Officers responded to calls about Johnson's erratic behavior, including flooding his apartment and brandishing knives. Upon arrival, officers found Johnson with his pants around his ankles, appearing calm but incoherent. As they attempted to handcuff him, Johnson expressed confusion and distress, ultimately becoming unresponsive on the ground. Paramedics arrived about ten minutes later and began CPR after officers hesitated to remove the handcuffs.

Police Chief Bob Day indicated that the officers believed Johnson posed a threat to himself and others at the time of arrest. All three officers involved remain on administrative leave as an investigation is underway by the Police Bureau’s Internal Affairs unit and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office. The medical examiner's office is also investigating the cause of death.