A man involved in a domestic violence incident tragically passed away after a sudden cardiac arrest that prompted his hospitalization on Sunday morning.
Prior to being admitted to the hospital for the heart issue, the suspect left the scene of the domestic violence, causing a series of car crashes on a nearby street, and forcefully entered a residence.
READ MORE: CMPD investigating after man found dead in south Charlotte
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, they responded to a call on Palm Breeze Lane at around 4:30 Sunday morning. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the suspect had discharged his firearm multiple times and fled the scene in his vehicle before law enforcement arrived.
His car was located near Windy Valley Drive after causing several collisions. Subsequently, he broke into a private home.
The CMPD reported that the suspect was displaying erratic behavior, prompting them to use a non-confrontational approach and requesting medical attention.
Upon the arrival of additional units, the suspect was reportedly conscious. However, he suffered a cardiac arrest while being evaluated.
Subsequently, the suspect was transported to Atrium Main, where he ultimately succumbed to the heart failure.
As he had been in CMPD custody before his demise, the incident was classified as an “in-custody death.”
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations (NCSBI) is taking charge of the in-custody death investigation, while CMPD Internal Affairs is conducting an inquiry into the officers’ handling of the situation.
The CMPD has stated that their approach to detaining the suspect adhered to the guidelines for handling a resistant suspect.
READ MORE: Video shows officer hitting woman several times; CMPD says she resisted arrest
The CMPD’s Violent Crimes division is conducting an investigation into the domestic violence episode that triggered the subsequent events.
Experienced crime journalist, Glenn Counts, visited the neighborhood where residents are still reeling from the sequence of events. During his visit, he spoke with a woman who, although wishing to remain anonymous, disclosed that her daughter overheard a commotion early on Sunday morning.
“I didn’t but my daughter did tell me this morning that she did hear some altercation at around 4 to 4:30 in the morning,” the woman said, “she said after she heard the arguing she heard a big bang she wasn’t sure if it was gunshots or a car hitting another car.”
(WATCH: Judge approves CMPD to release all video of controversial arrest)
