Man dies after rage incident at Gold’s Gym

Police say 32-year-oldChad Brothers went into a rage early Monday morning during a workout at the Gold’s Gym in Latham just after6 a.m.Police say Brothers hit another gym member in the face and single-handedly picked up 700 pound pieces of equipment.

Members described his behavior as frightening.

“He was throwing weights around and he pulled one of the machines down to the floor,” said witness and gym member Carol Olds. “He actually went into one of the offices in the back and was throwing papers.”

Police say while attempting to get Brothers into custody he lifted a female officer off of the ground. Altogether, it took three police officers including two gym members to get him under control. Brothers was then allegedly Tasered four to five times.

Brothers then went into cardiac arrest. One of the officers and a gym member attempted CPR, but he died at Albany Med a while later.

“We will be asking the pathologist that does the autopsy, which is scheduled for tomorrow morning at8 o’clock, to do a full and complete drug screen, which includes any type of steroid medications of any kind,” said Colonie Police Chief Steven Heider.

Police use of a stun gun in the incident comes less than two weeks after the release of a scathing report by the New York Civil Liberties Union, criticizing law enforcement’s handling of the weapon.

But Colonie police maintain they were only following protocol.

“If you notice we weren’t mentioned in that report,” said Heider. “We think the reason we weren’t mentioned is that we are so judicious in how we report it.”

All Monday, Gold’s Gym members were in disbelief.

“I was definitely surprised,” said Mafrici. “You don’t expect to go to the gym and see something happen like that.”

Gold’s Gym released a statement Monday:

“Earlier this morning, a member of Gold’s Gym died of apparent cardiac arrest while being placed into custody by Colonie Police at Gold’s Gym Latham.  Police had been called to investigate reports of an incident involving this member at approximately6:18 a.m.

“This member, identified asChadBrothers, 32, ofTroyNY, was pronounced dead atAlbanyMedicalCenter.  No one else was seriously injured during the incident.

“At this time, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this individual.  We are cooperating fully with local authorities to expedite and resolve their investigation.

“We are committed to member safety, and providing a safe environment for our patrons; staff and other members are to be commended for their help during this difficult time.

“The gym is currently back to normal operations.  Additional questions should be directed to the Colonie Police Department.”