Man dies following medical emergency during arrest in Panama City Beach

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. ( WMBB ) – On Monday the Panama City Beach Police Department responded to a call for assistance regarding a man exhibiting erratic behavior.

Around 7:30 a.m. Panama City Beach Police Department responded to the 12000 block of Hibiscus Street in Panama City Beach in regards to a man exhibiting erratic and manic behavior, suspected to be under the influence of narcotics.

When deputies arrived, the suspect refused to comply with the officers’ demands and attempted to flee on foot, officials said. Officers pursued the suspect into the private gated storage lot at 654 Clara Avenue.

When officers attempted to arrest the suspect, he resisted, prompting one of the officers to deploy a taser. After the suspect was in handcuffs he became unresponsive.

The officers administered Narcan before beginning CPR. Nearby emergency personnel quickly arrived and initiated life-saving measures. The man was taken to Ascension Sacred Heart Bay Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

As a result of the medical emergency, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement was requested to investigate the situation.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the responding officers acted in compliance with department guidelines. However, this is an ongoing investigation, and the cause and manner of death will be
determined by the Medical Examiner in conjunction with the FDLE’s independent
investigation,” Panama City Beach Police Department said in a news release.

The suspect’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

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