Drug Suspect Dies in Back of Patrol Car, Investigation Begun
Around 1:30PM Tuesday, Dec. 15th, Kennewick Officers were called to the area near Walmart, the 4000 block of West 27th. near Highway 395.
A caller told police they'd seen a man inside a car, rolling around, and possibly using narcotics. Upon arrival officers saw the man, who was 25-years old, inside the vehicle (parked), using suspected narcotics.
He was contacted by the officers, according to Lt. Aaron Klem of the KPD, and was conscious. While officers conducted a preliminary investigation, the man was handcuffed and seated in the back seat of one of the patrol cars, which is often standard procedure in situations such as this.
When officers returned a short time later, the man was unconscious and not breathing. Officers removed him from the car and began CPR and used Narcan, which is an anti-overdose drug they carry. Kennewick Paramedics were called and arrived a short time later. However, despite extensive life saving measures, the man could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Because he was in police custody and unconscious at the time, Chief Hohenberg has asked the SIU (Special Investigations Unit) to finish the investigation.
Captain Brigit Clary of the Richland Police Department will lead the team to finish working the case. More information is expected soon.
Because the man's family has not yet been notified, his name has not been released.