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Police custody death of mentally ill woman ruled a homicide

By Amy R. Connolly

CLEVELAND, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- A 37-year-old mentally ill woman who was forced to the ground face-down by Cleveland police as they were taking her to a psychiatric hospital died as a result of homicide, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's office said.

Medical examiner's investigators said Tanisha Anderson, who also had a heart condition, died as a result of being restrained in a prone position. Her death was ruled a homicide, indicating the officer's actions played a role in the incident. The medical examiner's office said her bipolar disorder and heart disease increased the chances of sudden death. She was also schizophrenic.

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Anderson's family called police on Nov. 13 when she began to have mental health problems. Police said she struggled as they took her to a patrol car to be transported for a psychiatric evaluation. Family members said police used a takedown move to force her onto the pavement, putting a knee on her back to handcuff her. She became limp and was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Following the ruling, Anderson's family released a statement:

"The family demands justice for Tanisha, a thorough criminal investigation and an independent prosecutor that results in accountability by the police officers and the Cleveland Police Department."

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The two officers involved have reportedly been placed on restricted duty. The Cleveland police said its Use of Deadly Force Investigation Team is continuing to review the incident.

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