A man died in custody after being arrested in Florida, according to local law enforcement.
Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputies recently responded to the 3100 block of South Fulmer Circle in Tallahassee in reference to an agency assist for Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Upon arrival, deputies encountered a man who retreated into the residence and barricaded himself inside with a woman he was holding against her will, according to law enforcement. Deputies then became aware that the woman needed urgent assistance. When deputies attempted to intervene, the man began waving a knife in an aggressive manner.
A deputy deployed his Taser, which allowed the deputy to take the man into custody.
The woman was transported to a local hospital with severe injuries, according to the Leon County Sheriff’s office.
Shortly after being taken into custody, the man, identified as 50-year-old James Lee, became unresponsive. Deputies immediately began life-saving measures until EMS arrived. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
An autopsy by the Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death. As protocol for all in-custody deaths this remains an active investigation, and the Sheriff’s office stated additional information will be released as it becomes available.
