Investigators Release Additional Details After Man Dies In Tuscaloosa Police Custody

TUSCALOOSA, AL — More details have been released after the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit said a 33-year-old man died early Saturday morning after becoming unresponsive while officers were attempting to assist him at an apartment complex on North Rice Mine Road.

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Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Suzanne Spencer said Tuscaloosa Police responded around 3:20 a.m. to the 1900 block of North Rice Mine Road following multiple reports of a suspicious man acting erratically in the complex.

She said officers were directed to an apartment where the man was reportedly located and officers made contact with the 33-year-old inside the residence, where family members were also present.

Spencer went on to say the man appeared agitated and exhibited signs of an altered mental state as officers spoke with him. As officers attempted to assist him, he became combative and began struggling with them.

She explained that during the encounter, the man became unresponsive.

"Officers immediately began rendering aid as medical personnel were asked to come into the apartment," Spencer said. "The male was transported to a local hospital where he was declared deceased."

The man reportedly told officers he had ingested a drug prior to their arrival and Spencer said his behavior was consistent with that statement.

Investigators reported no visible signs of trauma.

The Tuscaloosa Police Department requested the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit to conduct the investigation and, under Tuscaloosa County protocol, deaths involving individuals in police custody are investigated by VCU investigators and supervisors who are not affiliated with the requesting agency.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Spencer said the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, per department policy.

This is a developing story. Tuscaloosa Patch will have more information as it becomes available.