Hello, I'm Detective Macias with the Mesa Police Department's Media Relations Unit. This critical incident community briefing is intended to provide you with information about a use of force that occurred in Mesa. We will share information related to this incident to help you understand the details based on the present facts. The images and language in this video may be disturbing. Your discretion is advised. On April 4th, 2026, just after 8:30 p.m., Mesa police officers were conducting proactive patrol in the area of Dobson Road and University Drive. They observed 52-year-old Eric Baker riding a bicycle across University Drive outside of an intersection and crosswalk, placing himself and other motorists at risk. The bicycle was also not equipped with a light as required by Arizona law. Officers initiated a stop using emergency lights and sirens. However, Baker did not comply. He turned around, rode back across University Drive, and fled westbound, turning north into a nearby apartment complex. Two officers exited their patrol vehicle and chased Baker on foot, while a third officer drove to the opposite side of the complex. Officers identified themselves as police officers and ordered Baker to stop, but he refused and continued to flee. During the chase, Baker lost control of the bicycle and crashed. He was propelled forward over the handlebars and landed face down on a concrete walkway, hitting his head and face. The force of the fall caused him to come to a rest a short distance from the bicycle, which remained at the point of impact. Officers contacted Baker as he was on the ground and attempted to place him into handcuffs. Officers used a combination of techniques, including strikes and taser deployments. However, these efforts were ineffective. Baker was ordered to stop resisting multiple times, but continued to pull away and kick at officers. Eventually, officers were able to place Baker in handcuffs and move him onto his side into a recovery position. HEY, POLICE, STOP. GIVE ME YOUR HAND. GIVE US YOUR HAND. GIVE US YOUR HAND. >> [groaning] >> STOP RESISTING. STOP RESISTING. BACK UP. YOU GOOD? STOP RESISTING. Stop resisting. I want to get his legs out. Hold on. Hold on. HOLD ON. HOLD ON. IT'S STOP RESISTING NOW. Stop resist. Okay. I got his right leg. Stop [ __ ] resisting. STOP RESISTING. I GOT HIS LEFT HAND. STOP REACHING. You [ __ ] understand? Hey, police, stop. Baker was placed under arrest for aggravated assault on a police officer and an active felony warrant for a probation violation. A witness recorded video capturing the final moments of the incident. Stop resisting now. Stop resisting. I got his right leg. Stop [ __ ] resisting. Stop resisting. Put your hand behind your back. DO IT I GOT HIS LEFT HAND. STOP REACHING. You [ __ ] understand? Officers radioed police dispatch and requested an expedited response from the Mesa Fire Department to provide medical aid to Baker. While en route to the hospital via ambulance, Baker became unresponsive. Medical personnel immediately initiated life-saving measures, which continued at the hospital. Despite these efforts, Baker was pronounced deceased. Baker's cause of death is pending the result of the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's investigation. We recognize the seriousness of this incident and are committed to conducting a complete and transparent review of the circumstances surrounding this incident. Thank you for taking the time to watch this critical incident community briefing.