Wanted man collapsed, died while in NCPD custody, officials say

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Authorities are investigating after a wanted person collapsed and later died while in police custody.

Officers with the North Charleston Police Department (NCPD) were working with Goose Creek officers to serve active arrest warrants on the man around 7:00 p.m. Monday.

An incident report from NCPD shows the 54-year-old man was wanted for two counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.

A spokesman for the agency, Harve Jacobs, said the person was taken into custody without incident; however, he collapsed and appeared to suffer from a medical emergency a short time later.

The man’s handcuffs were removed and he was given medical attention until EMS arrived to take him to a local hospital, according to Jacobs.

The man was pronounced dead at the hospital. His identity will be provided by the coroner’s office when appropriate.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division will investigate the in-custody death.