Locust Club speaks on death of Daniel Prude

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Rochester Police Locust Club President Mike Mazzeo discussed the death of Daniel Prude and responded to comments Mayor Lovely Warren made Friday.

Prude, 41, was not breathing and had no pulse after he was restrained and handcuffed by officers. He died 7 days later in the hospital after being taken off life support. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide and says Prude died from complications of asphyxia due to physical restraint, excited delirium and PCP.

On Thursday, Warren announced the seven officers involved in the case were suspended with pay. They handed over their service equipment yesterday.

Mazzeo says officers were following the correct protocols and police need more help when it comes to mental health calls.

According to the club president, it took a couple of days for the Locust Club to produce a comment as they wanted to learn more about the night of Daniel Prude’s mental health arrest.

Currently, Masseo said that the club is not involved in the internal investigation and just learned of it this week.

The mayor has claimed she didn’t know about the incident until Aug. 4, as Rochester Police Chief La’Ron Singletary had not properly briefed her about the incident.

Mazzeo said he feels she isn’t being truthful and suggested she should step down.

As of now, Mazzeo said he has no information about a settlement between the City of Rochester and the Prude family.