A man from Brooklyn died in police custody in Georgia after being apprehended for alleged shoplifting. As stated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Robert Cornelious Powell, 32, became unresponsive in a hospital post-arrest and was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Powell was chased on foot by Cumming Police Officers following a call from Cumming Target Loss Prevention on February 11, citing him as a shoplifting suspect, according to the GBI. The pursuit, which led through wooded areas, ended when Powell surrendered to the police officers and, was apprehended without further incident.
As reported by GBI, during his arrest, Powell suffered from a leg injury and complained of difficulty breathing. Officers on the scene requested medical services, after which he was transported to a local hospital. Despite receiving treatment, Powell's condition deteriorated, leading to his death.
The cause of Powell's death remains undetermined and will be subject to an autopsy at the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office. Following the investigation conducted by the GBI, the case will be forwarded to the Forsyth County District Attorney's Office for a thorough review, the bureau explained.
