Central Point, OR – An outside law enforcement investigation is underway after a 39-year-old White City man died Tuesday night following a drug DUII arrest and physical struggle with Jackson County sheriff’s deputies.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, dispatchers received a 911 call at 9:17 p.m. Tuesday from a man who was speaking incoherently, appeared confused and reported that someone may have drugged him. Deputies found him near Table Rock Road and Orr Drive, where authorities said he was exhibiting signs of intoxication and obstructing traffic.
Deputies determined the man had driven to the location and arrested him for controlled substance DUII at 9:44 p.m., the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities said the man then began physically resisting while deputies walked him toward a patrol vehicle. Deputies took him to the ground, called for additional units and requested medical personnel.
Police said the man lost consciousness before regaining consciousness and again physically resisting deputies. Oregon State Police troopers arrived to assist. Medical personnel evaluated the man before moving him to a gurney at 9:58 p.m.
Shortly afterward, he became unresponsive. Paramedics began life-saving measures that continued until 10:42 p.m., according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities said a later search of his belongings allegedly uncovered a baggie containing a white powdery substance that field-tested positive for cocaine.
The Jackson County Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit is investigating, with Medford Police serving as the lead agency under standard outside-agency protocol for an in-custody death.
An autopsy and toxicology testing have been requested to determine the cause and manner of death. Authorities said the man’s name is being withheld out of respect for his family’s privacy.
