Family of woman who died after airport arrest sues Phoenix

Police spokesman Joel Tranter wouldn't comment on the lawsuit, but the department has previously rejected claims that it was responsible for Carol Anne Gotbaum's death.

Gotbaum, the step-daughter-in-law of New York City's public advocate, died Sept. 28 in a police holding cell at Sky Harbor International Airport after being arrested for disorderly conduct. She was on her way by herself from New York to enter an alcohol treatment center in Tucson.

An autopsy report released by the Maricopa County medical examiner's office concluded that Gotbaum accidentally hanged herself on her shackles while in the holding cell. The report said intoxication from alcohol and prescription drugs were contributing factors.

The lawsuit filed by Gotbaum's family claims officers failed to follow department policies that would have kept her safe.

"If they followed their policies, Carol would be alive today," family lawyer Michael Manning said.

The suit cited requirements to ask for medical attention for people believed to be sick or injured, to keep mentally or physically impaired prisoners in sight at all times and to use reasonable force when detaining people.

"They knew she was mentally and physically disabled, yet they took her to the ground, tackled her, handcuffed her, shackled her, and never during this episode did they call for medical input," Manning said.

The lawsuit didn't say how much money the family is seeking from the police department, but Manning filed an $8 million wrongful-death claim against the city in March.

A letter from the city's legal department to Manning criticized Gotbaum's family for blaming police.