Phoenix theft suspect dies at hospital while in police custody
AZ responding officers to undergo criminal, internal investigation
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Phoenix police say a suspect has died while in their custody.
Sgt. Melissa Soliz said in a news release that the incident happened Monday morning after officers responded to a report of a home theft.
Witnesses told authorities a man was behaving erratically and walked into an open garage. The man then allegedly started grabbing items and throwing himself onto the ground.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Soliz says a police sergeant was the first to arrive and located the suspect lying in the front yard of another home.
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A theft suspect in Phoenix police custody has died at a hospital on Monday.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The sergeant removed a metal object from the man's hand before handcuffing him.
Paramedics were called and the man's handcuffs were removed, according to Soliz. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
His body has been turned over to the Maricopa County medical examiner's office, which will determine the cause of death.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Responding officers will undergo an internal and criminal investigation.