Friday, Jan. 31, 2020 | 7:10 p.m.
A man described as suicidal who was acting erratically and had allegedly taken unknown drugs in a southwest valley neighborhood died in police custody Friday afternoon, according to Metro Police.
A homeowner called 911 about 12:30 p.m. to report that his friend was threatening suicide and had ingested an unknown type of narcotic, said Capt. Nichole Splinter in a briefing broadcast online.
Officers arrived at the 7400 block of Hawk Shadow Avenue — near Tenaya Way and Russell Road — and tried to talk with the man, who refused to reason with them, Splinter said. Instead, he began shedding clothes and acting erratically, she added.
Citing the safety of those around him, officers put him in handcuffs and placed him on a gurney, Splinter said. That’s when he stopped breathing.
They took off the handcuffs and attempted CPR, but despite the efforts, Splinter said, the man died at Spring Valley Hospital, Splinter said.
The man’s cause and manner of death will be determined by the Clark County Coroner’s Office.
