James Chasse's death not forgotten

PORTLAND, Ore. - Family and friends of a schizophrenic man who died while in police custody took to the streets of downtown Portland on Monday, one year to the day after the 42-year-old lost his life.

James Chasse died Sept. 17, 2006 of blunt force trauma to his chest. In the autopsy report, it stated he had several broken ribs, including some that punctured a lung and caused massive internal bleeding. Toxicology tests showed he did not have alcohol or drugs in his system.

The incident happened when two Portland police officers and a Multnomah County Sheriff's Deputy got into an altercation with Chasse just minutes before he was put into a patrol car.  Chasse then died.

Although Chasse's family said he died after being beaten by the officers, police contended that the man fought them violently and even injured one of the officers by biting him.  The case was sent to a grand jury, which exonerated the three officers involved, finding there was no criminal wrongdoing.

"This issue, specifically, shouldn't be polluted into an issue of mental health," said Chani Geigle-Teller, one of the protesters. "This is a police accountability issue. We need more transparency and oversight in this system so things like this never happen again."

Following last year's grand jury decision, Mayor Tom Potter apologized to the Chasse family and Police Chief Rosie Sizer expressed regret about the man's death on behalf of herself and the Portland Police Bureau.

The Portland Police Bureau also adopted a new policy in light of Chasse's death. Portland police officers are no longer able to give rides to people who are sick or injured unless a paramedic on the scene gives their approval.