Man's Death In Brockton Police Station Cell Under Investigation

BROCKTON, MA—The death of a man while in custody of Brockton police is currently under investigation by Plymouth County District Attorney's Office.

The office of DA Cruz confirmed to The Enterprise on Friday that it is investigating a man's death at the Brockton Police Department headquarters.

"The death of a prisoner in a cell at the Brockton Police station is under investigation by Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office," Beth Stone, spokesperson for District Attorney Timothy Cruz, told The Enterprise in an email. "Preliminarily, there is no foul play suspected in the death."

According to police, Afonso Brandao, 27, was taken into custody on November 13 following a crash near Goddard Road and Highland Street. Police say he ran off after hitting a cruiser and was charged with operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.

Afonso Brandao's brother, Adilson Brandao, said Afonso Brandao was found dead in his cell a few hours later from what the police said was a suspected overdose.

Police records reveal that Afonso Brandao had been taken into custody by the Brockton Police at least nine times beginning in September 2011.