Doug Martin involved in Oakland burglary before dying after medical emergency, police say

OAKLAND, Calif. - Oakland police confirmed that former NFL running back Doug Martin was involved in a break-in at a home before suffering a medical emergency. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders star died while in police custody on Saturday.

Police initially called to burglary

What we know:

"Prior to his death, Martin was involved in a break-in at a residence in Oakland," the Oakland Police Department said in a statement.

Authorities said officers were called around 4:15 a.m. Saturday to a home in the 11000 block of Ettrick Street following reports of a break-in. Shortly after, KTVU has learned that police received a second call from Martin's mother saying her son was experiencing a medical emergency linked to the same incident.

When officers arrived, they found Martin inside the residence. According to OPD, officers attempted to detain Martin, and a brief struggle ensued.

"After being taken into custody, Martin became unresponsive," the department said.

Paramedics were called to the scene, and Martin was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.

KTVU has learned that the home Martin allegedly broke into is the same home where a 75-year-old woman exchanged gunfire with two home invaders. No one was hit in that incident.

Investigation into in-custody death

What's next:

The cause of Martin’s medical emergency remains unknown. The police department said its Homicide Section and Internal Affairs Bureau are investigating, along with oversight from the Oakland Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.

All Oakland police in-custody deaths are automatically investigated by the department's homicide section, which does not necessarily mean a homicide occurred.

A neighbor told KTVU she spoke to Martin's family in the past. Based on those conversations, "I knew that he was mentally challenged," the neighbor said.

Oakland civil rights attorney John Burris said an autopsy will answer key questions as to whether any medical or health issues – and any force used by Oakland police – were factors in Martin's death.

"Did he show signs of mental derangement, alcohol, drugs, anything that would suggest he wasn't all there," Burris said. "It might suggest a different way of trying to handle him."

Athletes First – a management firm that represented Martin when he was selected by the Buccaneers – said in a statement that Martin privately struggled with mental health challenges that "profoundly impacted his personal and professional life."

"Ultimately, mental illness proved to be the one opponent from which Doug could not run," the firm said.

The firm added that Martin's family was actively seeking assistance for him and "contacted local authorities for support" prior to his death.

"Feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, Doug fled his home during the night and entered a neighbor’s residence two doors down, where he was taken into custody by police," Athletes First said. "An investigation into what transpired as he was detained is underway."

Shaun Fletcher, associate professor of public relations and sport communication at San Jose State University said, "A young African American male (dies) under somewhat shrouded circumstances within police custody, my eyebrows raise. I am keenly paying attention to what details come about."

The officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave, per department protocol.

Family asks for privacy

What they're saying:

"It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning," Martin’s family said in a statement to Fox Sports. "Cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time."

NFL career and legacy

Big picture view:

Martin, a native of Stockton, was an All-Pro running back with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He finished his NFL career with the Oakland Raiders in 2018.

He was drafted 31st overall in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft after a standout college career at Boise State. As a rookie, he rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection. He posted another 1,400-yard season in 2015, earning First-Team All-Pro honors.

Over his six-year career, Martin amassed 5,356 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns.

Teams and officials react

The Raiders issued a statement saying, "The condolences of the entire Raider Nation are with Doug's family at this time."

The Buccaneers also shared their condolences, stating, "We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin... Doug made a lasting impact on our franchise."

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee expressed her condolences as well.

"We mourn the loss of Doug Martin, an Oaklander who had a distinguished NFL career and tragically passed away Saturday morning," the mayor said.

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