Body cam video released in police custody death of Bernie Russo
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Norfolk, NY - New York Attorney General Letitia James released police body camera video of the minutes before a Norfolk man died in police custody.
The AG’s office is investigating the July 1 death of 47-year-old Bernie Russo.
He died after state police took him into custody.
Troopers were called to O’Neil Road in the town of Norfolk at around 12:45 a.m. for a report of a domestic dispute involving a knife.
Footage shows Russo coming out of an RV on the property. He appears to be holding an object, which police tell him to drop. He complies. A trooper orders him to get on the ground. Again, he complies.
The video shows Russo ranting and writhing on the grass.
A trooper is seen putting on gloves before approaching Russo, who struggles as police place him in handcuffs and leg restraints.
Another trooper can be heard calling for assistance for a person who’s possibly under the influence of drugs or having mental health issues.
Russo is heard saying, “I don’t wanna die,” and “I can’t breathe.”
Police are heard saying, “We are here to help you. You’re not gonna die.”
Not long after that, Russo becomes quiet. Police check his handcuffs. Russo is lying face down.
One trooper appears to be leaning on the back of Russo’s thighs.
After a few minutes, a trooper asks, “Are you still with me, Bernie?”
When Russo doesn’t reply, police turn him onto his back, and a trooper checks for a pulse. The video ends there.
The AG’s office said troopers began life-saving measures while waiting for the ambulance. Russo was pronounced dead at the scene.