(KRON) — Ex-NFL All-Pro running back Doug Martin died Saturday after being detained by Oakland police officers for allegedly breaking into a residence, a source confirms to KRON4.
The Oakland Police Department responded just after 4:15 a.m. to the 11000 block of Ettrick Street in the Chabot Park neighborhood on the report of a residential break-in. At the same time, it was reported to officers that the suspect of the break-in, Martin, was “experiencing a medical emergency,” OPD said.
Arriving officers found Martin inside the residence and detained him after a brief struggle, according to authorities. Police said Martin became unresponsive after he was taken into custody and later died at an area hospital. He was 36 years old.
In a statement to Fox Sports, Martin’s family said Sunday that his cause of death is unconfirmed.
It is unknown if Martin had any connection to the Chabot Park residence. No further details of the incident were released by authorities.
Martin, who was born in Oakland, spent six of his seven NFL seasons playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2012-2017. He played his final season with the Oakland Raiders in 2018.
Martin had a career year in 2015 when he was named first-team All-Pro after rushing for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns.
In a statement released Monday, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee said, “We mourn the loss of Doug Martin, an Oaklander who had a distinguished NFL career and tragically passed away Saturday morning. Our condolences are with his family and loved ones, and my office has reached out to Mr. Martin’s family. They have asked for privacy during this time.”
The involved Oakland police officers were placed on paid administrative leave per department policy. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office will investigate the in-custody death, along with OPD’s Homicide Section and Internal Affairs Bureau, the Oakland City Police Commission and the Community Police Review Agency.
KRON4’s Aaron Tolentino contributed to this report.
