Henry Nowak repeatedly told police “I can’t breathe” and that he had been stabbed before dying in custody
Henry Nowak, in his final moments, told police officers nine times that he couldn’t breathe and four times that he had been stabbed. Instead of providing immediate medical aid, an officer dragged him across gravel, handcuffed him, and read him his rights. Those were the last words he heard before he died. The incident is now under investigation.
- A disturbing case has come to light involving the death of Henry Nowak, who repeatedly told responding police officers that he couldn’t breathe and that he had been stabbed — only to be dragged across gravel, handcuffed, and read his Miranda rights in his final moments. According to bodycam footage and witness statements obtained by local media, Nowak told officers “I can’t breathe” at least nine times and stated four times that he had been stabbed. Despite his clear distress and repeated pleas, officers reportedly did not provide immediate medical assistance. Instead, one officer dragged him across the ground before handcuffing him and reading him his rights.Those were the last words Henry Nowak heard. He was pronounced dead shortly afterward at the scene. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for a full independent investigation into the conduct of the officers involved.
- Civil rights groups and local activists have described the handling of Nowak as “inhumane” and are demanding transparency, including the immediate release of all bodycam and surveillance footage. The police department has confirmed that an internal investigation is underway and that the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave. No charges have been filed so far. Henry Nowak’s family has hired high-profile civil rights attorneys and plans to file a federal civil rights lawsuit against the department. “My son was begging for help and they treated him like an animal,” said a family member in an emotional statement. This case adds to a growing list of controversial deaths involving police custody across the country, reigniting the national debate over use of force, de-escalation protocols, and accountability.
In his final moments, Henry Nowak told police officers nine times
“I can’t breathe” and four times that he had been stabbed.
In response police officer dragged him across the gravel, handcuffed and read him his rights.
It was the last thing Henry heard before he died. pic.twitter.com/6y2XX3U2H3 — K13 News (@K13News) June 2, 2026
The bodycam footage of Henry Nowak has just been released.
An 18-year-old who was stabbed FIVE TIMES called the police for help.
His attacker told officers Henry was a racist.
So they handcuffed the victim.
Henry told them over and over:
"I've been stabbed." "I can't… pic.twitter.com/setjjZNfy2 — K13 News (@K13News) June 2, 2026
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