SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Southfield police say 24-year-old Mckenzie Cochran died after an altercation with Northland Mall security late Tuesday afternoon.
In a statement to Local 4, the mall says, "We are confirming that there was an incident involving an adult male who was reported to be loitering outside one of our jewelry stores. The male became combative when approached by our security officers. Pepper spray was administered by one of our security officers for his own safety."
Police say Cochran became unconscious and died. An official cause of death has yet to be released.
Investigators are looking at surveillance video, interviewing witnesses and the security officers involved.
Cochran's family wants answers.
"It's quite clear that a 24-year-old healthy child doesn't die as a result of being pepper sprayed in the face," said Gerald Thurswell, the attorney representing Cochran's family. "We understand the Southfield Police Department has a video of the entire incident and they will not release it at this time."