Man Dies In Police Custody After Fighting Cops, Authorities Say

PHILADELPHIA — A man died while in police custody Wednesday after being given an opioid overdose reversal drug and fighting with police, during which he was punched in the face and head, Philadelphia Police said.

According to Philadelphia Police, the incident occurred at about 5:18 p.m. Wednesday outside the Rite Aid at 4600 N. Broad St.

Officers were called to the area for a hospital case and found a 28-year-old man lying unconscious between two vehicles.

Officers learned the man was given naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug, by the pharmacist before police arrived.

Then, police said the man became agitated, hitting nearby cars and the ground.

Police tried to handcuff the man, and during the struggle a 31-year-old officer punched the man in the face and head, police said. Police did not say how many times the officer punched the man.

The officers eventually cuffed the man, and he was put in an ambulance to be taken to Albert Einstein Medical Center.

However, while en route to the hospital the man became unresponsive and medics tried to resuscitate him.

Ultimately, the man was pronounced dead at 5:58 p.m., police said.

"Any loss of life brings pain, sadness, and questions for all involved," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, who's first day on the job was Monday. "We will conduct a thorough, complete and objective investigation. At present, because the encounter involved an application of force, the involved officer has been placed in administrative duty status as the investigation proceeds. Additionally, the Department is reviewing existing policies and procedures at it relates to facts and circumstances surrounding this incident."

Patch has reached out to the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office for details on the man's death and will update the story when more information is made available.