A Arizona city has agreed to pay $150,000 after two police officers stood by and watched a man drown — refusing to help even as he screamed for his life.
What Happened?
On May 28, 2022, 34-year-old Sean Bickings jumped into Tempe Town Lake during an encounter with police. He immediately began struggling to stay afloat and begged officers for help.
According to body camera footage and police transcripts, one officer responded:
“I’m not jumping in after you.”
Bickings went under shortly after and drowned.
His Girlfriend Tried to Save Him
When Bickings’ girlfriend attempted to jump in and rescue him, officers physically restrained and handcuffed her — stopping her from saving his life.
While handcuffed, she reportedly told officers:
“He is all I got. I can’t lose him. He’s going to die.”
Officers allegedly told her to “chill out.”
The Detail That Made Everyone Angry
Just 11 days earlier — on May 17, 2022 — the same Tempe officers rescued a dog from a nearby canal without hesitation.
They helped save a dog.
They did nothing for Sean Bickings.
The Lawsuit and Settlement
Bickings’ mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit in May 2023. This week, the city of Tempe agreed to settle for $150,000.
The city released a statement saying:
“We hope the closure of this litigation brings comfort to those who mourn his loss.”
What Tempe Said After the Drowning
After Bickings died, local officials promised to implement changes to improve their water rescue response. No officers were criminally charged.
— Coverage by thecmeaglet.com
