Young dad, 25, 'acting erratically' died moments after being put in handcuffs
A 25-year-old father died shortly after being placed in handcuffs by police while acting erratically in North Staffordshire.
Joshua Cooper, a 25-year-old father of two, tragically died shortly after being handcuffed by police during an incident reported as a 'street disturbance' in Biddulph, North Staffordshire. Witnesses described him as acting erratically, and when police arrived, they found him 'under a pile of bricks.' It was reported that he was resisting arrest, making growling noises, and demonstrating erratic behavior indicative of distress. The incident unfolded on March 26 of the previous year when Cooper was found under the influence of cocaine. His erratic actions led him to enter the home of an elderly woman before police were called to manage the situation. After the police handcuffed him, Cooper fell to his knees and tragically died just moments later, raising significant concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death and the police's response. This case has drawn attention not only to the issue of drug-induced behavior and its implications but also to the handling of individuals in such states by law enforcement. The inquest into his death is likely to explore these factors thoroughly, particularly in terms of mental health support and police protocol during disturbances involving vulnerable individuals.