By Robert J. Hansen | OBSERVER Staff Writer
The Sacramento Police Department has released footage showing 66-year-old Nyota Koya becoming unresponsive after being aggressively handcuffed during her arrest Nov. 17.
Koya died at a hospital Nov. 24.
Police first contacted Koya on Nov. 15 after receiving multiple calls concerning an inoperative vehicle parked for several days near the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex. Law enforcement offered to arrange a tow truck and assistance, both of which she declined.
On Nov. 16, security staff reported that Koya remained on the property, prompting officers to issue a notice of trespassing. The next morning, security again called police to report Koya was still on-site. Officers arrived, reminded her of the trespassing notice, and called a tow truck on her behalf.
At approximately 10:50 a.m., officers returned to the scene after learning Koya had refused to let the tow truck remove her vehicle. Police offered transportation and shelter options, but Koya did not comply. After informing her that arrest was imminent, an officer opened her car door and attempted to remove her from the vehicle.
Body camera footage shows the officer using his knee to press on Koya’s back while handcuffing her. After she was placed in the patrol vehicle, Koya became unresponsive. Officers called Sacramento Metro Fire, which provided emergency medical aid and transported her to a local hospital.
“Get off of me,” Koya can be heard screaming.
Preliminary autopsy results indicate Koya died from complications of a pulmonary embolism. As the medical emergency occurred while Koya was in police custody, the Sacramento Police Department initiated an in-custody death investigation.
A department investigation, monitored by the Office of Public Safety Accountability and the district attorney’s office, has begun.
The incident has raised questions about how police handle interactions with vulnerable individuals, sparking public scrutiny.
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