Man Dies After Seizure In Sheriff Deputy's Squad Car

DALLAS, TX — A man died Saturday, Nov. 25 after he had a seizure while handcuffed in a Dallas County deputy's squad car. The man, Jesus Alberto Roque, was detained after he was unable to provide the deputy with a valid drivers license or proof of insurance, according to a press release from Dallas County Sheriff's Department.

A tow truck was called to retrieve Roque's vehicle before the deputy took Roque from the location at Loop 12 to a nearby gas station. Roque was said to have been "exhibiting nervous behavior" while in the squad car. He then had a seizure.

An ambulance was called, and responders gave Roque emergency medical care at the scene. Roque was then transported to Methodist Central Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Melinda Urbina, a public information officer for Dallas Sheriff's Department, told Patch that it is standard procedure for law enforcement officers to transport people whose cars have been towed to a nearby, safe location. She said Roque was handcuffed and the car was moving when Roque's seizure began.

The Sheriff's Department and the District Attorney's Public Integrity Unit are investigating the incident, but foul play is not suspected at this time.

Roque's cause of death has not yet been determined by a medical examiner.

File photo via Getty Images — A Dallas County sheriff's truck sits in front of an apartment in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stone/Getty Images)