Family seeks answers in Palm Springs son’s death
Ron and Michele Sznaider want answers in the death of their only son, 27-year-old Joshua Sznaider. They held a news conference Tuesday in Palm Springs.
Police said Sznaider was high on a lethal amount of methamphetamine as he ran in and out of traffic at Baristo Road and Sunrise Way around 7 a.m. on Oct. 2, 2012.
When police finally caught up to him, the struggle began. To control him, officers used their Tasers, but claim he continued to resist.
His parents said their son needed help and they need the truth.
“I was told that he had a heart attack. I was not informed there was any police involvement,” said Michele Sznaider. “He was slammed to the ground so hard his jaw was broken. He was Tased even though he was already on the ground and a chokehold was administered.”
Sznaider eventually stopped breathing. Officers gave him CPR, but he died at the hospital five days later. Sznaider’s family blames the chokehold for his death.
“It makes no sense to us. We need your help so we can start putting the pieces together of our lives. It starts with the truth,” said Ron Sznaider.
Police Chief Al Franz released this statement.
“The district attorney has cleared all involved officers of liability in this matter. This has been an emotional incident for all involved. The Palm Springs police officers who responded to this incident acted appropriately and professionally in handling this difficult situation.”
Jack Cioffi, of Palm Springs, said he saw the scuffle unfold.
“I think they handled it very well. The guys was evidently loaded with dope. He didn’t know what was going on.” said Cioffi.
Sznaider left behind a son. His family’s suing the Palm Springs Police Department and the city. They want the city to review its use of force policies.
Ron and Michele Sznaider pointed out their son died just one month before police shot and killed Marine Cpl. Allan DeVillena during
another confrontation.
“Today the city of Palm Springs and leaders still have the opportunity to do what is right and immediately ban the use of the chokehold, by whatever name it’s called, just like many other cities have already done. And require its officers to wear cameras, so there’s no more ambiguity of what happened in these events,” said Ron Sznaider.
If you were in the area and witnessed the incident Oct. 2, 2012, the Sznaider’s ask you to contact them at info@answers4josh.com or call toll-free 844-687-5674.
