Arrest of Woman Who Died in Custody Caught on Tape

Police release video of Carol Gotbaum screaming, resisting arrest

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 5, 2007 7:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – Phoenix police yesterday released airport surveillance footage of a woman clearly distraught and resisting arrest shortly before her death in a security holding cell. The silent video shows Carol Gotbaum doubled over and apparently screaming as passengers stare. She struggles with police called to the scene and locks her legs when they take her into custody.

Gotbaum was later found dead in a holding cell with the chain of her shackles across her throat. Phoenix police contend she was left alone in the cell for only 6-8 minutes. Her family claims Gotbaum was "manhandled" and is calling for an investigation. Gotbaum, a mother of three, was on her way to rehab for alcohol abuse.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (2)]

This undated family photo provided by the Office of the Public Advocate for the City of New York shows Carol Anne Gotbaum. Gotbaum, 45, was found dead in a police holding cell in Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday,... (Associated Press)

Betsy Gotbaum, Carol Gotbaum's mother-in-law and New York City public advocate. (Getty Images)

Screen grab from Carol Gotbaum's arrest video. (screen grab)

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Airport Arrest (newsfast (YouTube))

Woman dies while struggling to get free from her handcuffs. (Salvatoe (YouTube))

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Arrest of Woman Who Died in Custody Caught on Tape