Tampa Police Investigate In Custody Death

TAMPA, FL. (December 26, 2024) - - The Tampa Police Department is conducting an in-custody death investigation.

On Thursday, December 26, 2024, at 2:42 pm, Tampa Police officers responded to the report of a subject acting erratically at the Sav-A-Lot, located at 5002 E. Broadway.

The subject, an adult black male in his early 30s, left the scene before officers arrived. Additional complaints were received from nearby businesses reporting similar concerning behavior from the same subject. 

Just before 4:00 pm, the subject approached another officer, who was working extra duty at a nearby bank, making further statements that he was being followed. Patrol officers, realizing the description matched the subject reported at the Sav-A-Lot, responded to the bank and took custody of the male under the Baker Act.

After being transported to Gracepoint, the male walked into the facility where he began yelling and continued to act erratically. While being assessed by staff in the presence of officers, he began foaming at the mouth. Life-saving measures, including CPR, were provided when no pulse could be detected. The male was rushed to a nearby hospital.

During transport to the hospital, paramedics were able to revive the male. However, he later died after arriving at the hospital.

The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner will now work to determine the official cause of death. 

This remains an active investigation; updates will be made available as the investigation allows.