Family of Man Who Died in Custody Says Police Used Too Much Force

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The family of a man who died after being tased by Oklahoma City police said the officers involved used too much force.

Damon Falls was described as a healthy 31-year-old by his Norman family who believes Falls was tasered more than once.

"This is excessive force," said Carla Hughes, Falls' aunt. "I really believe these officers killed my nephew unnecessarily."

Police said Falls was tasered after he threw down a weapon and began running from police Monday night near S.E. 44th Street and High Avenue.

"The suspect fell to the ground and began fighting with the officers. Four more officers arrived at the scene and assisted taking him into custody," said Oklahoma Police Sgt. Gary Knight.

As officers took him into custody, Falls collapsed and later died.

His family said they believe the 31-year-old was tased to death. They said he was a happy, healthy father-to-be, and they believe tasing an unarmed man was unnecessary.

"He was four months away from being a father for the first time," Hughes said. "I think it's a stereotype, this big black guy. I think they stereotyped him, labeled him if you will, and felt like they needed to take excessive force, but we all know that wasn't necessary."

Falls does have a criminal record and was scheduled to be back in court later this month on weapon and drug charges.

Still, his family said despite his past and what he's accused of doing recently, he should be here to pay for the crime, not dead.

"I just want to know what happened," Hughes said. "We are hurting and we want to see justice."

The six officers involved in this case are on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation. The family said if those officers are not fired, they'll consider legal action.

Authorities are waiting on the Medical Examiner's Office to determine an exact cause of death.

More on News9.com: Suspect Dies After Being Taken into Custody; 6 Officers On Leave Pending Investigation