A 38-year-old man who died three years ago in California Highway Patrol custody resulted in a patrol sergeant, six officers, and a registered nurse facing criminal charges, Los Angeles County prosecutors said Wednesday. Edward Bronstein of Burbank died after he was taken into custody during a March 2020 traffic stop, reports NBC San Diego. His death drew protests and calls for charges outside District Attorney George Gascón's office in March 2022 after video of the arrest was made public as part of a wrongful death lawsuit by Bronstein's family. On Wednesday, Gascón said a sergeant and six officers were charged with involuntary manslaughter and assault while being in positions of power.
Bronstein was detained on suspicion of DUI on a Burbank freeway. He was taken to a patrol station and declined to have his blood drawn. In the garage of the station, Bronstein can be heard repeatedly saying, "I can't breathe," during the nearly 18-minute video as he was held down by officers on a mat. His death came two months before the death of George Floyd, who died during a May 2020 arrest by Minneapolis police. The registered nurse was charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter.