Maine Police Comment On the 2022 In-Custody Death of Jeremy Lau

Maine's law enforcement community is speaking out about an in-custody death last year that's come under scrutiny.

Why Was He Being Arrested?

Jeremy Lau, 46, was wanted by police in the days leading up to his death because he had missed a February court date in Millinocket. In the early morning hours of March 1st, 2022, he was arrested by members of the Penobscot County Sheriff's Office and the Maine State Police. Officials had responded to a 911 call for help at a Patten home where Lau was allegedly vandalizing the home and threatening others. Lau died shortly after being arrested.

What Prompted the Comments from Law Enforcement?

This week, the Bangor Daily News published a story that reports Lau was shocked with a Taser multiple times, hit in the head with a flashlight, and then handcuffed face-down.

Crediting documents it obtained through a public information request, the article goes on to say that the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide, stating that Lau died of a 'sudden cardiac death following restraint in the prone position and Taser deployment while acutely intoxicated by the combined effects of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and buprenorphine.' Reading further, the article reveals information from the Chief Medical Examiner that Lau also had an enlarged heart, which contributed to his death.

How is Maine's Public Safety Community Responding?

On Wednesday, Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss released a statement in response to the BDN's article, saying the paper rushed to publication, without waiting for comments from law enforcement. She says the incident was thoroughly investigated by the Maine State Police and the Maine Attorney General's Office.

The investigation determined no misconduct occurred and the State Police response was consistent with training and policy. The Troopers responded to assist Penobscot County Sheriff's Deputies at their request to an emergency call for service where an impaired, combative individual who was swinging a bat and trying to hit people needed to be taken into custody. The investigation showed Troopers involved acted in an appropriate manner given the difficult circumstances of arresting Mr. Lau who was at the time a public safety risk.

Moss adds that no Troopers were disciplined for their role in this incident.

The Penobscot County Sheriff's Office also released a statement about the article:

Maine State Police shared the statement from the Maine Attorney General's Office about Lau's death, which included its final conclusion:

While Mr. Lau's unfortunate death occurred in custody, his death was not the result of criminal conduct by law enforcement.

The statement goes on to say the investigation is closed and that no criminal charges will be brought against law enforcement.