Joshua Levy

How they died

Deadly force

Levy was schizophrenic and had several previous bridge suicide attempts. Police state that after a 20-hour bridge suicide standoff with Spokane Police and Sheriff Departments, Levy agreed to be removed once he stepped into a portico. When he did this, Officer Michael McCasland attempted to taser him and missed; one prong landed on his foot. Levy left the portico and when he saw several police run toward him, he jumped off the bridge. His father, David Breidenbach, who witnessed the death, claimed police promised not to use violence against Levy, and that they agreed to use aggression only when he was in the portico.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Joshua Levy, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources