Photos courtesy of Twitter/Tempe.gov
Sean Bickings drowned in an Arizona lake nearly three weeks ago after police refused to help him, prompting outrage in the community. However, police officers in the same department rescued a dog from drowning in a canal weeks before the tragedy occurred.
The controversial news comes after 34-year-old Sean Bickings was denied help from police officers after drowning in Tempe Town Lake on May 28, according to transcripts from three officers at the scene.
Two weeks before Bickings had drowned, several Tempe officers contradicted the police union’s claims after saving a dog from drowning in a canal on May 17. The department took to Twitter and thanked the officers and Tempe resident “Salty” Thompson for rescuing the pup, per Fox 17.
“Shout out to Tempe resident “Salty” Thompson and our patrol officers for saving this pup from drowning in the canal today! Thank you to all the other bystanders who jumped into action to rescue her. The dog is safe with @LostOurHome and in need of a loving home! Great work!” the tweet read.
“Thank you to all the other bystanders who jumped into action to rescue her,” officials added.
Weeks later, police officers arrived at Tempe Center for the Arts involving a domestic violence dispute between Bickings and his wife. However, the couple denied the claims to the law enforcement officers, News Onyx reported.
On Wednesday, the Tempe Officers Association agreed that Bickings drowning was a “human tragedy.” However, the police union stated that the officers could not help him due to a lack of equipment and water rescue training, AZ Central reported.
Tempe officials said Bickings fled the scene by jumping over a four-foot fence by the Elmore Pedestrian Bridge when “officers told the couple they were running their names through a database used to check whether people have outstanding arrest warrants,” according to a statement released on June 3.
Moments later, Bickings was distressed and pleaded for the officers to help him.
“I’m going to drown,” he said to the officers.
“No, you’re not,” one of the officers responded.
“I’m drowning,” Bickings replied.
“Come back over to the pylon,” the same officer told him.
“I can’t. I can’t (inaudible),” the Arizona man said.
“OK, I’m not jumping in after you,” another officer said.
Bickings’ wife appeared upset after the officers refused to help her husband.
“I’m just distraught because he’s drowning right in front of him, and you won’t help,” she said.
Authorities recovered Bickings’ body from the lake hours after he drowned. He was pronounced dead at the scene.