Doug Martin reportedly climbed out of a rehab center window during a possible mental health crisis.

Former NFL Star Doug Martin’s Arrest and Death Under Investigation

Doug Martin, a former NFL player, reportedly exhibited signs of distress in the months leading up to his arrest by Oakland police and subsequent death. His passing is currently being examined, as authorities say he became involved in a confrontation after breaking into a neighbor’s home during a mental health episode.

There have been consistent signals of Martin’s struggles, as indicated in a report by the San Francisco Chronicle that details an incident resulting in his being placed under psychiatric care for 72 hours.

A report from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office sheds light on the events from August 13 at the Tranquility Rehabilitation Center in Castro Valley, California. Upon arrival, Martin tested positive for cocaine and methamphetamine and was found in possession of fentanyl and a hunting knife.

The most telling account of his condition came on that day when a clinical director found Martin dancing in the driveway, blood on his hands and face. The supervisor informed authorities that Martin was exhibiting signs of severe mental illness. At one point, he jumped from a second-story window, desperate to check if it was open.

Described by lawmakers as “extremely paranoid,” Martin responded affirmatively when asked if he was carrying a weapon. The situation escalated as officers attempted to pat him down for safety, resulting in a struggle over handcuffs. During this time, Martin threw a punch, which led to a deputy hitting him back twice.

After officers managed to restrain him, they discovered three bags of cocaine in his clothing and a significant knife in his backpack. Due to his earlier actions, including jumping from a window, deputies decided to place Martin in psychiatric care, as permitted under state law.

Following his death, Martin’s family released a statement highlighting his ongoing battle with mental health issues that severely affected his life. They emphasized that “the only person Doug could not escape from was his mental illness.” The family noted that they had sought help from local authorities, but during a disoriented moment, Martin fled to a neighbor’s house, where police apprehended him. An investigation into circumstances during his custody is still underway.