Report implies man was struggling before arrest

SANTA FE (KRQE) - Officials are asking whether there were warning signs that a man who died in police custody needed medical attention.

Police reports indicated that at least one witness says the man was having trouble breathing before police handcuffed him.
   
According to the report from New Mexico State Police, one witness says 42-year-old James Rochford struggled and threw punches outside Tiny’s Bar in Santa Fe a little over a month ago.  Three men tried to restrain Rochford, forcing him the ground face down.  That witness says Rochford could be heard saying twice, “Get off me, I can’t breath.”

This was minutes before a Santa Fe police officer arrived to the scene and handcuffed Rochford.

The report goes on to say the officer then approached witnesses and didn’t notice Rochford wasn’t breathing until a bystander pointed it out. 

The officer started CPR and called medics over, who were already on the scene.  The crews working for 40 minutes to revive Rochford but were unsuccessful.

State police are currently handling the investigation.

Santa Fe Police Chief Ray Rael says the investigation does not imply or suggest any misconduct but is just standard practice.

According to the report Rochford did not resist when the officer handcuffed him.

Rael said officials have not yet asked the officer if she noticed Rochford’s condition at the time of his arrest. 

At this time that officer is still on her regular patrols and assignments.

Rael says at this point there is no indication the officer acted inappropriately or out of line with policies.  He says they are waiting to see what comes out of the State police investigation to determine what action needs to be taken with the officer.

Results of Rochford’s autopsy have not been released.