Posted: Apr 5, 2011 1:17 PM by Amanda Venegas (Billings)
Updated: Apr 5, 2011 1:17 PM
A coroner's inquest is underway at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility surrounding the death of a man who was Tased multiple times and died later in custody.
Ryan Michael Bain died on October 10, 2010 at the detention facility after suffering cardiac arrest.
Earlier in the night, law enforcement authorities say Bain was seen running naked down the street and stole a van. Officers eventually caught up to him and tried to take him into custody. Officers believed he was under the influence of drugs and say he was non-compliant.
Bain was Tased multiple times and taken to YCDF where authorities say he refused to cooperate and was Tased again. He was placed in a holding cell and a short time later suffered cardiac arrest.
Big Horn County Coroner Terry Bullis is presiding over the inquest, which is looking into the details of Bain's death to determine if law enforcement officers acted appropriately.
As of noon, six witnesses have testified.
Billings police officers involved with the restraining of Bain said he exerted "superhuman strength" despite their efforts to subdue him.
Yellowstone County Sheriff's Deputy John Smith was the first to take the witness chair. He was off duty at the time of the incident, but saw Bain running naked down the street on Oct. 10 and called dispatchers saying his behavior was "bizarre". He followed Bain and when he saw him enter a house, got of his vehicle.
Bain then exited the house and jumped into Smith's personal van and drove off. Smith was able to catch up with him a short time later. Billings Police Sgt. Pat Curry helped Smith restrain Bain. He said at 330 lbs., he had a hard time with him.
Smith said Bain displayed "superhuman strength." Smith said he believed Bain was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Sgt. Curry said Bain didn't make sense and later told Curry, " I just want to kiss my baby goodbye."
Two nearby homeowners Charles and Kay Bryan also spoke about what happened that night. Charles said he was awoken when he heard a screech and crash from Bain's short vehicle pursuit. A short time later, the homeowners heard officers outside on their lawn trying to get Bain into custody. Charles said he heard officers telling Bain to stop fighting and did not see anyone strike him.
Officer Nate West was the fifth witness. He said Bain was taken into custody by Officers Tom Keightley and Brandon Ihde, when he approached them. West says Bain told him that his name was Ryan and that he had been using meth. West said Bain appeared excited and sweaty. The three officers struggled putting Bain into the backseat.
Bain was Tasered in a drive-stun mode, meaning without the probes. West said the taser didn't seem to have an affect on him and that he couldn't believe it. At some point, he heard Bain say "help me," but wasn't sure if it was meant toward others or the officers.
The sixth witness was Officer Matt Brandt, who is the primary investigating officer. He did not have a role in the custody or Tasering of Bain. He did confirm with a homeowner on the 1300 Block of Ave. E that someone had been in their home and that Bain did not live there.
Brandt was at a nearby convenience store filling out paperwork when two women, Bain's girlfriend and sister, approached Brandt asking if he had seen him. Bain's girlfriend, Kalli Ackerman, said the couple was in town visiting Bain's kids, were staying at her dad's nearby and that Bain had left at some point.
Video was played from Officer Brandt's patrol car showed Bain.
About 12 of Bain's family members are in the courtroom watching the testimony. They were visibly emotional when the video played.
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