Mesa police investigating after man dies at hospital following struggle with officers during arrest

PHOENIX — Police are investigating after a 52-year-old man died at the hospital over the weekend following a struggle with officers during his arrest.

The Mesa Police Department identified the deceased man as Eric Baker.

“We recognize the seriousness of this incident and are committed to conducting a complete and transparent review of the circumstances surrounding this incident,” Detective Jesse Macias said in a news release.

What led to the struggle between Baker and Mesa police?

Officers patrolling in the area of Dobson Road and University Drive saw Baker violating Arizona law by riding a bicycle in the roadway without a light around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, according to the department.

They proceeded to try and stop Baker, but he ignored police before fleeing westbound on University Drive and turning into an apartment complex. Two officers followed him on foot, identifying themselves and giving commands to stop. Meanwhile, one other positioned themself on the other side of the complex, Mesa police said.

While the officers were pursuing Baker, he crashed onto a concrete walkway. Afterward, police tried to take him into custody but Baker resisted by pulling away from officers, kicking them and refusing to provide his hands for arrest, according to authorities.

The two officers used multiple Taser deployments and physical strikes, but were still unable to arrest Baker. A third officer arrived to assist and the struggle continued for around a minute and 35 seconds before Baker was put in handcuffs, police said.

Baker was arrested for aggravated assault on a police officer as well as an active felony warrant for a probation violation.

Officers put Baker into a recovery position on his side about 45 seconds after handcuffing him and around 40 seconds later requested Mesa Fire Department immediately respond to provide medical aid.

While fire crews were responding, Baker was yelling, kicking and flailing on the ground, according to authorities.

Medical personnel were unable to take Baker’s vitals when they arrived due to his erratic behavior. They decided to take him to a nearby hospital to be medically cleared before being booked into jail.

However, while enroute to the hospital, Baker became unresponsive and life-saving measures were immediately initiated and continued at the hospital.

Despite these efforts, Baker was pronounced dead.

His cause of death is pending an investigation by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner.

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