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Madison Independent Police Monitor challenges DA ruling in police custody death MADISON, Wis.(WMTV) - Nearly six months after the Dane County District Attorney found no criminal liability for Madison police officers following a person’s death after being in police custody, the Office of the Independent Monitor released a report that challenges that conclusion.In a 43-page report, Interim Independent Police Monitor Aeiramique Glass outlines the organization’s investigation into the death of Richard Lee Johnson.Glass said Johnson went into cardiac arrest while being arrested on Dec.30, 2024, at a Best Western on the 4800 block of Annamark Drive in Madison.Johnson died the next day.The Dane County District Attorney’s Office announced on Dec.19, 2025, that the three officers involved were not liable for the man’s death and would not face any charges.According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office determined Johnson died of complications of cocaine toxicity.Independent Police Monitor Report findings The Independent Police Monitor report says Johnson was homeless and living at the Best Western when police received a report that he had stolen a vehicle that had a firearm inside.When officers tried to arrest Johnson, he allegedly ran away, and officers tackled him to the ground.The report claims one officer shoved Johnson’s head into the ground and pressed a knee into his back with enough force to pin his chin to the dirt.According to the report, that use of force never appeared in any official police report.Glass also claims Johnson said “I can’t breathe” to officers after being held face down.However, she claims these words also never made it into any official document.The officers were cleared during MPD’s Professional Standards and Internal Affairs investigation, according to the OIM report.“It’s all a system,“ Glass said.”It’s an ecosystem.And so it’s really important that these entities not just check a box but do the actual necessary and needed work to hold anyone accountable regardless of their relationships with them.“ Glass’ report explains it used an independent medical expert, who believes the 32-year-old Johnson did not die from an overdose.The individual said they believe Johnson died from restraint-related cardiac arrest, caused by the way police arrested him.Cocaine could have been a contributing factor, according to the report.“I want to make sure that the medical procedures that law enforcement put in place are uplifting and upholding the preserving of life,” Glass said.“I want to make sure that there are policies, practices and procedures in place that never allow this to happen in police custody again.” Madison Police Department response Madison Police Department released a statement Monday, releasing a portion of the video showing officers arresting Johnson.Police Chief John Patterson said he has not seen any evidence that an officer’s knee was placed on Johnson’s neck, as the written report and contracted medical doctor stated the officer’s knee was on Johnson’s shoulder blades.Patterson said the suspect was still moving his head and speaking at the time, and he was helped to his feet and able to walk around.Patterson said he supports the officers involved in this arrest, saying they did what they are trained to do in this situation.Click here to download the WMTV15 News app or our WMTV15 First Alert weather app.Copyright 2026 WMTV.All rights reserved.