Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 | 3:52 p.m.
A 33-year-old man who died after being restrained at a car dealership where he attacked employees was schizophrenic and had history of violent behavior, Assistant Sheriff Christopher Darcy said today.
Gerrod Belin was pinned to the ground by four men upon the arrival of Metro Police officers, who turned him to his side and noticed he was not responsive, Darcy said.
Belin had dilated eyes and a white substance around his mouth, Darcy said.
Police were summoned about 1:40 p.m.to the dealership in the 5500 block of Sahara Avenue, near Decatur Boulevard.
Video played at a news conference today shows Belin approach a receptionist and swing a bag at her, apparently hitting her. He then walked toward the showroom area and began swinging his fists at a male employee, whom he struck several times.
Two men then stepped in to help bring Belin to the floor.
Officers arrived to find Belin face down, police body-camera footage shows.
Two customers kneeled on each of Belin’s legs, while another knelt on his lower back, pulling one of his arms back. A fourth man crouched down to watch.
An officer handcuffed Belin, who was place his side in a “recovery position,” Darcy said.
Suspecting that Belin was suffering a drug overdose, Sgt. Matt Vorce administered Naloxone through Belin’s nostrils, Darcy said. The substance, known as Narcan, reverses the effects of opioids in people who are overdosing.
But Belin wasn’t having an opioid overdose and was declared dead by medics about 15 minutes after police were initially called, Darcy said.
A preliminary toxicology test showed Belin had taken a stimulant, Darcy said.
Belin had a “long history of schizophrenia and aggressive, and sometimes violent behavior,” Darcy said.
Belin had been committed to a mental health facility multiple times, he said.
Investigators were looking to speak to two customers who stepped in to help and left before giving witness statements, Darcy said.
