Darnay Cockrell: Things get worse for Mesa dad detained after reporting his daughter missing

The incident sparked controversy and drew widespread attention after it was captured on video.

PUBLISHED AUG 21, 2024

A neighbor captured video footage showing the officers detaining Cockrell, which quickly went viral on social media. (Photo: YouTube)

Mesa, Arizona: A Mesa father who reported his daughter as kidnapped was detained by police shortly after making the 911 call claims to have lost his job. The incident sparked controversy and drew widespread attention after it was captured on video.

On the morning of August 6, Darnay Cockrell called 911 to report that his ex-partner had kidnapped their four-year-old daughter. Moments later, two Mesa police officers arrived at the scene. A neighbor captured video footage showing the officers detaining Cockrell, which quickly went viral on social media.

In newly-released audio from the responding officer's body camera, Cockrell can be heard pleading with the officer, explaining that his ex-partner had taken his child. Despite his attempts to communicate, the officer repeatedly told him to "relax" and "sit down". Cockrell refused to sit down, citing bad knees and his desire to stay near his daughter, who was reportedly nearby but out of sight.

Since the incident, Cockrell claims to have lost his job after the viral video spread on social media.

"You're telling me to get on the ground? I'm the parent calling because my kid was taken from me," Cockrell said during the tense exchange. The situation escalated when a second officer arrived on the scene, leading to Cockrell's detention. Cockrell described being forcibly pulled away from his car and hitting his head during the altercation.

Five minutes later, the handcuffs were removed, and Cockrell’s daughter was returned to him. His ex-partner was subsequently arrested and booked on charges of disorderly conduct under domestic violence laws.

Despite being the initial 911 caller, Cockrell expressed his frustration to FOX10 Phoenix, stating, "I went from being a person that called to a person that you’re trying to lock up."

Since the incident, Cockrell claims to have lost his job after the viral video spread on social media. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist him with food and rent.

The Mesa Police Department, in a written statement, explained the reason for the handcuffing. According to the department, Cockrell had a “high level of emotion, which is understandable; however, because emotions were so high, he was not following reasonable directions given to him by the officer and made comments that spiked concern for officer safety". Mesa police will also give additional training to two officers.