A Black Phoenix teen died in police custody after enduring sweltering heat while naked, bloodied and in need of medical help.
On June 10, 2022, Caleb Blair, 19, found himself wandering around at a gas station, acting strangely.
Blair, who was homeless, was trying to escape the scorching heat outside. He tried to go inside the Circle K gas station, but the store clerk told him he could not remain inside as it was against company policy.
Once back outside, Blair was captured on surveillance “on the asphalt, rolling around, distressed and struggling to breathe,” according to reports.
It’s unclear when Blair first arrived at the gas station seeking air conditioning, but his erratic behavior drew the attention of gas station patrons, which eventually led to 911 calls pouring in around 2:45 p.m., according to police.
“He didn’t need handcuffs, he needed help. But this is the best a Black man can hope for people don’t see us,” Blair’s father, Frank Blair, told The Guardian.
The 911 callers described Blair’s behavior to dispatchers. “There’s this guy, like he’s on something outside, and he’s banging his head against my car that’s parked,” a woman told the dispatcher.
“I’m not sure what’s going on, I can see that his foot is cut… He’s been doubled over, hitting his head on the ground,” another caller said to the dispatcher.
Temperatures reached 112 degrees on the day of the incident, according to the National Weather Service.
It’s unclear the exact amount of time Blair was observed in distress by gas station patrons and employees before police were called, but The Guardian estimated it was more than an…
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