-Eldica Stuart-

Cousins!

Body cameras recently captured three Tempe Arizona police officers witnessing a man drowning in an Arizona lake without acting on it to help save his life!

The officers were initially reporting a fight between a couple on May 28, 2022. According to NPR news, the officers were running a man’s name through a database beforehand. While doing so, the man then jumped into a lake and began swimming.

The man has been identified as Sean Bickings, 34. It has been reported that the video footage on the body camera shows Sean struggling in the water while saying “I’m drowning”.

The officers asked Sean to swim to a pylon and he responded in saying that he could not. The officers then told the victim that they are not “jumping in after him”, even after Sean pleaded for help. As a result Sean sadly drowned to death. 

The Tempe Arizona Department of Safety is said to conduct and review how the police responded to the tragedy and what the proper protocols are for a water response in this manner.

Reports read that the video will be edited due to its “graphic, sensitive nature” Sean, 34, is described as an “unsheltered Tempe community member” making him known in the area.

There are also pictures of Sean online prior to the incident. The police officers are currently on a “non-disciplinary paid administrative leave” as they are under investigation due to the severity of this tragedy.

The city manager and the police chief mentioned this was a “tragedy” and met with Sean’s mother following the incident.