Man Died Of Suspected Overdose In Police Custody In Voorhees: AG

VOORHEES, NJ — Authorities are investigating the suspected overdose death of a 39-year-old man who died while in police custody in Voorhees over the weekend.

The man was arrested after police saw him speeding through the parking lot at the Voorhees Town Center and crash into a curb at about 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon, according to the state Attorney General’s Office.

After crashing into a curb, the man got out of his car and attempted to run from the Voorhees police officer on the scene, according to authorities.

The officer caught up to the man and was able to handcuff him after a struggle, authorities said. A backup officer and a K-9 officer responded, but the K-9 was not used, authorities said.

While in custody, the man told officers he didn’t feel good and asked for help, authorities said. Police said he appeared to be under the influence of drugs, and he admitted to using methamphetamine.

Officers asked for an expedited ambulance, which authorities said arrived within minutes. EMTs took the man to Jefferson Stratford Hospital, where he died, authorities said. A bag containing suspected methamphetamine was found in his car, authorities said.

While it is believed that he died of a drug overdose, the incident is being investigated under a state law that requires the Attorney General’s Office conduct investigations of a person’s death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody.