TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Police Department is investigating an in-custody death that occurred on Thursday afternoon after a man was detained under the Baker Act for erratic behavior.
Around 2:42 PM, officers responded to reports of a man acting erratically at the Sav-A-Lot store on East Broadway. The man, described as a black male in his early 30s, left the scene before officers arrived but was later spotted at nearby businesses exhibiting similar behavior.
READ: Tampa Police Search For Missing Teenager Grieving Loss Of Brother
Just before 4:00 PM, the man approached an officer working extra duty at a bank, claiming he was being followed. Recognizing the description from earlier reports, patrol officers responded and took the man into custody under the Baker Act, which allows for the involuntary institutionalization of individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others due to mental illness.
The man was transported to Gracepoint, a mental health facility. Upon arrival, he reportedly began yelling and continued to act erratically. While being assessed by staff, he began foaming at the mouth and lost his pulse. Officers and medical personnel performed CPR and transported him to a nearby hospital.
READ: Florida Pizza Delivery Driver Arrested For Attempted Murder, Home Invasion Over Tip
Paramedics were able to revive the man during transport, but he tragically died after arriving at the hospital.
The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.
The Tampa Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.