EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Newly released footage showing the moments where Roel Contreras was encountered by El Paso County sheriff’s deputies was released. The 46-year-old man was taken into custody on March 20, which he later died while in custody.
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According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at 4:59 p.m. to the 12000 block of Campo Bello in response to a disturbance involving a male subject. When they arrived, deputies located Contreras in an open field. Footage showed Contreras who appeared to be acting erratically.
Roel Contreras shown in bodycam footage. (EPCSO)
WARNING: FOOTAGE OF THE ENCOUNTER CAN BE HARD TO WATCH
Deputies repeatedly told Contreras to “relax” because they were “trying to help him out.” At one point, Contreras says, “My heart, bro.”
Authorities said Contreras became combative when deputies attempted to make contact. Deputies were able to detain him, but moments later he lost consciousness.
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Video showed deputies turning Contreras face down as they placed the handcuffs on him as they repeatedly said, “Stop.”
A short time later, Contreras stops moving, and the deputies began trying to revive him.
“Status of life,” a deputy says. “Minimum pulse.”
A deputy is seen performing chest compressions on Contreras. “You got it,” asked a deputy. “Negative,” says another deputy in uniform.
Contreras was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Texas Rangers conducted separate investigations into the incident. The Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Division also completed an administrative review to determine whether deputies acted in accordance with department policies.
The administrative review concluded that deputies acted within department policy and found no policy violations related to the incident.
The Sheriff’s Office said its Major Crimes Unit fully cooperated with the Texas Rangers throughout the investigation and submitted its findings for review. The Texas Rangers have since presented their case to the El Paso County District Attorney’s Office for further review.
Sheriff’s officials pointed out that the Office of the Medical Examiner determined Contreras died from acute methamphetamine toxicity, with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease listed as a contributing factor. The manner of death was ruled accidental.
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Mug shot of Contreras from previous arrest made by Horizon City PD. EPCSO identified the man in the mug shot as Contreras
“Any loss of life is a tragedy, and our thoughts remain with Mr. Contreras’ family and loved ones,” Sheriff Ugarte said in a statement. “From the beginning, we were committed to conducting a thorough and transparent review of this incident. We believe it is important that the public have access to the facts, which is why we are releasing the available video and sharing the results of the investigations. Transparency and accountability remain core values of this office.”
The Sheriff’s Office said the release of investigative findings and video footage is intended to provide the public with a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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