As Portlanders await a medical examiner’s report and grand jury review of the death of Damon Lamarr Johnson, the fatal incident has reignited a conversation about the region’s mobile crisis response systems—including one that the police rarely utilize.

Johnson, 52, died while in police custody on June 27, following a prolonged physical struggle with officers. His death is still under investigation.

Police were called to Johnson’s apartment complex by a security guard who reported erratic behavior from Johnson, and said water was seeping out from his apartment into the hallway.

Police decided to take Johnson into custody for a mental health hold. Johnson, who was reported to be experiencing a psychiatric issue before police arrived, became agitated during the encounter.

The situation be

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