The violent 2019 death of a black man while in police custody was filmed for A&E Network’s reality police show, “Live PD,” according to prosecutors.
Police video and documents released more than a year later show Javier Ambler, a 40-year-old Texas father of two, begged and pleaded multiple times that he couldn’t breathe as sheriff’s deputies repeatedly used a stun gun on him.
Javier died on March 28, 2019. He was driving home after a poker game with friends.
Williamson County Deputy J.J. Johnson, who is a regular on “Live PD,” tried to pull Javier over because he forgot to turn off his high beams while facing oncoming traffic.
Javier Amber did not pull over and a chase ensued until he crashed his car near downtown Austin.
Deputy Johnson pulled his weapon and demanded Javier exit the vehicle. Javier complied and followed the demands.
Johnson, who is also black, holstered his gun, pulled out his taser and told Javier to get down several times.
Javier Ambler turned towards his vehicle and Deputy Johnson tasered him causing Javier to drop to one knee and roll onto his back and stomach.
Another Williamson County sheriff’s deputy, who is white, arrived with the “Live PD” camera crew. He also tasered Javier in his back.
Javier, who is 400 pounds, struggled with the officers and they tased him for a third time.
An Austin police officer, who was wearing a body cam, arrived at the scene as the other officers continued to try to cuff Javier.
Between gasps, Javier Amber told the officers he was trying to comply. He also begged and pleaded with the officers four more times telling them he can’t breathe.
Javier pleaded, “Save me. I have congestive heart failure. I am not resisting.”
They tased him a fourth time and that is when Javier Ambler’s body went limp. He was unconscious and without a pulse.
Deputies performed CPR for several minutes before paramedics arrived.
Javier died in police custody as the “Live PD” cameras were rolling.
Below is the body cam video. It is heartbreaking to watch. I warn you to proceed with extreme caution or skip the video altogether.
Javier’s death was ruled a homicide, but the state attorney general’s office noted it may have been “justifiable.”
An autopsy revealed Javier died of congestive heart failure and hypertensive cardiovascular disease associated with morbid obesity “in combination with forcible restraint.”
This sounds familiar doesn’t it? See also Eric Garner and George Floyd.
Margaret Moore, district attorney for Travis County, said her civil rights division is investigating the case. But, why has it taken 15 months?!
Moore also said she plans to present the case to a grand jury.
On the heels of the Paramount Network canceling “Cops,” there has been an uproar on social media calling for the cancelation of “Live PD.”
“Live PD” host Dan Abrams joined the online convo to reassure fans the show is coming back!
