The Tampa Police Department is investigating an in-custody death that occurred yesterday. The incident began when officers were called to a Sav-A-Lot on East Broadway following reports of a man acting erratically. Although the man had left before officers arrived, local businesses continued to report similar erratic behavior from someone matching his description, according to the Tampa government website.
The situation escalated when the man, an adult black male in his early 30s, approached an off-duty officer working at a nearby bank, concerned he was being followed. The man was taken into custody under the Baker Act by patrol officers who confirmed he was the same subject from Sav-A-Lot. A transfer to Gracepoint ensued, where the man's condition deteriorated.
At Gracepoint, the man allegedly began yelling and acting erratically before foaming at the mouth, prompting life-saving measures, including CPR, when a pulse could not be detected. He was then rushed to the hospital, where paramedics managed to temporarily revive him. However, the man later died after hospital arrival.
The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner is tasked with determining the official cause of death. The investigation into the circumstances of this in-custody death remains active. As per the Tampa Police Department's release, updates will follow as the investigation permits.
