Suspect Dies After Swallowing Drugs During Police Raid

DeLand, FL - A Central Florida man died on Wednesday after swallowing drugs during a police raid on a suspected drug house.

Police say 54-year-old Cornell McKinney was detained outside the home on S. Clara Ave. in DeLand when he became unresponsive.

Detectives had executed a search warrant at the residence following an undercover investigation into drug sales.

McKinney, who was believed to be concealing drugs in his mouth, refused to cooperate with officers, despite repeated warnings.

Medical personnel were called to the scene but were unable to revive McKinney.

Three plastic baggies containing suspected heroin/fentanyl and crack cocaine were recovered from his body.

McKinney's death is under investigation, and the official cause of death is pending an autopsy.