There are reports that a 92-year-old man, who had undergone an amputation and was using a wheelchair, died from Covid-19 after police were called to handle a situation involving him at a care home in the UK.
Donald Burgess lived at Park Beck Residential Care Home in East Sussex. According to accounts, police were invited to the scene following Burgess’s attempt to stab staff members. The incident gained some media attention, including coverage by various news outlets.
On June 21, 2022, Police Constables Stephen Smith and Rachel Commott responded to a high-priority emergency call. Body camera footage from the response was later reviewed during court sessions.
In the footage, one officer attempts to persuade Burgess to drop what looked like a butter knife. The officer said, “You’re going to put it on the ground for me.”
Commott chimed in, saying they wanted to avoid harm by asking, “We don’t want to hurt you.”
Smith urged, “Come to Donald and leave it there. You can resolve this without resorting to this.” However, when he advanced toward Burgess, the situation quickly escalated as Burgess swung the knife at him.
In reaction, Smith used Mace, spraying it directly at Burgess’s face and mouth. Commott shouted, “Do it now! Drop the knife!”
Later footage revealed Smith pulling out a baton, shouting at Burgess, “I’ll put it down.” Yet, Burgess still would not release the knife.
Eventually, Commott deployed a taser, causing Burgess to cry out and drop the knife. He was then taken to a hospital where he received treatment for his injuries but sadly died from Covid-19 three weeks later.
As for the officers involved, they are currently facing trial concerning the use of excessive force against Burgess. Both Smith and Commott have pleaded not guilty to the accusations.
Prosecutor Paul Jarvis described the force used by the police as “unnecessary and excessive,” stressing that Burgess was an elderly, vulnerable individual who might not have fully grasped the situation.
