Communities are seeking justice for Kingsley Fifi Bimpong, a Black postal worker in Minnesota who died in police custody after officers allegedly ignored signs of a stroke during a traffic stop. Bimpong’s family has filed a federal lawsuit against Eagan police, Dakota County, and its correctional officers, citing “deliberate indifference” to his critical medical needs during the nearly six hours he was in custody.
Allegations of Neglect During Custody
The lawsuit details the events of November 16, 2024, when Bimpong, 50, left work early due to a headache. He was pulled over by Eagan Police for making a left turn on red. During the stop, Bimpong exhibited severe cognitive and physical abnormalities, reportedly unable to state his name, origin, destination, or residence. Bodycam footage captured an officer suggesting Bimpong might be experiencing a stroke, prompting a call for a Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) trained to differentiate medical emergencies from drug impairment.
However, the lawsuit claims the DRE officer did not conduct a proper evaluation, allegedly stating that a 30-45 minute assessment would be “a whole bunch of time wasted.” Consequently, paramedics were not called, and Bimpong was transferred to Dakota County Jail. The lawsuit alleges his condition worsened there, despite multiple wellness checks logged as “inmate and cell OK.”
A Call for Accountability and Policy Change
Bimpong was found on the jail cell floor, losing control of his bladder and appearing to be in significant pain, yet no medical attention was provided until he began foaming at the mouth and exhibiting seizure-like symptoms. Although eventually transferred to a hospital, Bimpong died from a massive brain bleed. “This is one of the worst jail deaths we’ve ever seen,” Bennett told KARE11. The City of Eagan, however, stated that Bimpong “was not exhibiting an objectively serious medical condition that was obvious to lay persons at the time he was in the Eagan officers’ custody and there [was] no indication that he required emergent medical treatment.”
The lawsuit accuses the police and correctional officers of acting on “incorrect and unfounded assumptions about Kingsley” and treating him with “callous indifference that resulted in his death.” The family is seeking $120 million in damages and advocating for policy changes within the Dakota County Jail to prevent future tragedies.
What are your thoughts on the allegations against the police and jail officers in Kingsley Fifi Bimpong’s death? What changes are needed to ensure better medical care for individuals in custody? Share your views in the comments below!