In December 2018, 38-year-old former Army medic David Thompson was apprehended outside a Walmart in Palm Bay, Florida. Tragically, he died the following day while still in police custody. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office stated that Thompson experienced a “medical emergency” during his confinement. However, this description omitted crucial details about the violent confrontation that occurred when he failed to comply with orders to proceed to booking for fingerprinting.
Reports indicate that during this altercation, as many as seven officers resorted to physical force, striking Thompson with kicks and punches, applying pepper spray, using a Taser, and restraining him with a spit hood before locking him in a solitary room. Approximately twenty minutes later, an officer observed through a hazy window that Thompson appeared unwell. Upon entering the room, officers removed the hood and wiped the pepper spray from his face, only to discover that he was unresponsive. Emergency services were called, and he was transported to a hospital where he was taken off life support the next evening.
A pivotal aspect of this case is that David Thompson suffered from PTSD and was likely experiencing a related psychotic episode at the time of his arrest. His wife, Emily Thompson, informed the arresting officers of his condition while they were on the scene. David had exhibited erratic behavior, having jumped into a truck loaded with donations for a Christmas charity and subsequently clashing with a volunteer. Emily expressed concern that he was nearing a psychotic break, particularly during the holiday season—a time that often triggers distress for many veterans with PTSD.
In 2017, David Thompson had received treatment for PTSD-linked psychosis under the Baker Act, a Florida law enabling family members to authorize emergency mental health treatment for individuals unable to care for themselves. Prior to the 2017 incident, David had experienced symptoms including paranoid thoughts, hyper-vigilance, and hallucinations. His wife had been apprehensive about leaving him alone at home due to fears he might harm himself.
Despite Emily’s disclosure of David’s mental health struggles, no medical or psychological evaluation was conducted by the police following his arrest. Rather than directing him to a mental health facility, officers placed a severely distressed veteran in jail. Surveillance footage captured the events inside the jail, but the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the state attorney’s office, has refused to release this video.
The autopsy report cited the cause of death as “excited delirium and complications” stemming from a “hyperactive and violent state.” However, Dr. Sarah Mitchell, chief medical examiner for Florida’s 10th Medical Examiner’s District, has raised doubts about the findings. She indicated that the autopsy did not adequately determine the precise cause of death.
Moreover, Sheriff Wayne Ivey has stated since 2017 that he will not allow external agencies, such as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, to investigate officer-related incidents. This lack of accountability raises serious concerns about the oversight of police actions. Sheriff Ivey has a controversial reputation, advocating for universal firearm carry and permitting the use of a “vascular neck restraint” by his department. He has run unopposed in the last three elections, further entrenching his authority.
Emily Thompson continues to advocate for justice through social media, using the hashtag #JusticeForDavid, as she awaits access to the surveillance footage that could clarify the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death. In light of ongoing discussions about police reform, David Thompson’s case has garnered renewed attention, prompting community leaders to request the footage from the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Ivey’s response, however, has been to accuse the media of inciting civil unrest.
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In summary, the tragic death of David Thompson, a combat veteran suffering from PTSD, raises critical questions about police handling of mental health crises and the lack of accountability within law enforcement. His wife’s ongoing fight for justice underscores the need for greater awareness and reform in how such situations are managed.