06/03/2023
On Saturday night, we responded to a call of a disorderly person on Court St in downtown Florence. The individual was located in the middle of Court St and ultimately arrested by Florence Police Officers. Subsequently, he was transported to the Lauderdale County Detention center less than a mile away. During the booking process, officers and jail staff believed the male began having a medical episode of some type. An ambulance was called, however, due to the subject being physically uncooperative, EMS staff were unable to attempt to provide care. The individual was then transported by police car from the detention center to the emergency room at NAMC for treatment. He was pronounced deceased at 1:30am.
To give an idea of the timeline: We received the original call at 9:50pm. He was arrested shortly thereafter. By 10:35pm ambulance staff were attempting to provide care at the detention center. Ultimately, the male was at the ER by 11:06pm. Although escorted by officers, the male walked into the ER on his own where his uncooperative behavior continued. He began receiving medical treatment at the ER immediately. However, it was later reported to us that the 19 year old male individual did pass away at approximately 1:30am on Sunday morning. His death was pronounced approximately three and a half hours after our initial contact. Medical staff became involved within 30 minutes of his arrest and he was at the emergency room with one hour of his arrest.
This was a medical event. Based on my own review, it is my belief that the original, triggering event occurred prior to officers’ initial contact with the subject. Then, while in our custody, the individuals physical well being began to deteriorate. At that point, medical attention was summoned. No harm occurred to the individual while he was under our control and in our care.
However, since the individual was in our custody at the time, we have asked ALEA to conduct a formal death investigation. I would assume the focus on their investigation will be from the time our officers arrived on scene until the male arrived at the hospital. Ultimately, they will determine the scope of the investigation. It is now our duty to fully cooperate and make all persons and evidence available to them while they complete their investigation. Consequently, any further media release and additional information will need to come through the ALEA office.
Ron Tyler
