Lakey Police Incident: Analysis of Use of Force and Medical Findings
A report of disorderly conduct involving a naked man shouting incoherently led to a fatal encounter between a man named Lakey and law enforcement officers. While the initial call suggested erratic behavior, the subsequent interaction raised significant questions regarding police procedure, the application of non-lethal weapons, and the medical state of the individual involved.
The Encounter and Police Response
The incident began when police responded to reports of a man running down the road. Upon arrival, officers encountered Lakey, who appeared confused and disoriented. Despite his state, Lakey was unarmed and did not act combatively toward the officers. The acting chief of police, Taylor, was the first to arrive on the scene.
Evidence from the encounter is fragmented. Taylor's body camera was not activated until a second officer, Dingman, arrived. By that time, Lakey was already on the ground with Taylor standing over him. The recorded footage begins with Dingman ordering Lakey to put his hands behind his back, followed by Taylor warning that non-compliance would result in being tased.
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As Lakey lay on the ground, he repeatedly screamed for help and pleaded with the officers to stop while being subjected to taser shocks. Throughout the nine-minute encounter, Lakey never struck the officers or acted aggressively. The officers did not attempt to physically restrain him during the tasing; instead, they continued to shout commands and apply the weapons even while he remained still on the ground.
Restraint and Medical Investigation
The situation escalated further when a third officer arrived. During the process of handcuffing Lakey, this officer placed him in a chokehold—a restraint involving pressure to the neck—for approximately 40 seconds.
At the scene, officers speculated that Lakey's erratic behavior was the result of PCP (phencyclidine), a dissociative hallucinogenic drug known to cause violent or unpredictable actions. However, a subsequent autopsy report contradicted this theory, finding no drugs in Lakey's system.
The blood analysis revealed that Lakey had a high blood sugar level. This medical condition can lead to stupor, confusion, and disorientation, providing a physiological explanation for his behavior. The autopsy found no other unusual indications.
Violations of Training and Protocol
The Oklahoma district attorney highlighted a severe discrepancy between official training and the actions taken during the arrest. Both the police training program and the taser manufacturer's guidelines prescribe a maximum limit of 15 seconds for taser shock exposures.
In Lakey's case, the two officers applied taser shocks for a total of 3 minutes and 14 seconds, far exceeding the established safety and procedural limits.
Key Facts
- Taser Duration: Officers applied shocks for 3 minutes and 14 seconds, despite a 15-second training limit.
- Medical Cause: High blood sugar levels caused Lakey's disorientation, not PCP as initially suspected.
- Physical Restraint: Lakey was placed in a chokehold for 40 seconds while being handcuffed.
- Behavior: Lakey was unarmed and non-combative throughout the nine-minute encounter.
- Evidence: The final portion of the event was captured by two body cameras and one dashboard camera.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Encounter Time | 9 minutes |
| Taser Exposure Time | 3 minutes 14 seconds |
| Prescribed Taser Limit | 15 seconds |
| Chokehold Duration | Approximately 40 seconds |
| Autopsy Finding | High blood sugar (No drugs found) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Lakey aggressive toward the officers?
No. According to the report, Lakey never struck the officers or acted aggressively during the nine-minute encounter, although he was non-compliant due to his disoriented state.
What caused Lakey's confused behavior?
While officers initially suspected PCP use, the autopsy revealed that Lakey had high blood sugar levels, which can cause disorientation, stupor, and confusion.
How much taser force was used compared to official guidelines?
The officers used tasers for 3 minutes and 14 seconds, which significantly exceeds the 15-second limit prescribed by both the manufacturer and the police training program.
Was the entire incident recorded on camera?
No. The acting chief's body camera was not activated at the start. The final part of the incident was captured by two body cameras and a dashboard camera.
What other physical restraints were used?
In addition to the taser shocks, a third officer placed Lakey in a chokehold for about 40 seconds while he was being handcuffed.