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Franklin Co. Sheriff Says Suspect In Custody Dies After Breathing Complaint

Posted at 11:49 AM, Aug 01, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-01 11:49:46-04

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department said Wednesday morning an investigation is underway after a suspect died Tuesday night after being placed under arrest.

Authorities say the man, referred only to as "Mr. Mitchell" tried to prevent deputies from arresting another person who was wanted on an active warrant.

Deputies arrived at a home in the 1200 block of Union Ridge Road about 10:20 p.m. Tuesday after receiving a tip that the wanted person was there.

The sheriff’s office said Mitchell was on the porch of the residence and refused to cooperate with deputies seeking to arrest the wanted person.

"As deputies open the gate and started towards the residence, Mr. Mitchell came towards the deputies to prevent them from effecting the arrest of the wanted person," according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies placed Mitchell into custody and "sat him up" while they entered the residence and found the wanted person hiding in a bedroom.

While that was taking place, the deputy watching Mitchell called for help after noticing Mitchell was having trouble breathing.

"The deputy then grabbed two inhalers and administered those to Mr. Mitchell," the sheriff’s office says. "His breathing improved for a short period of time and then declined."

CPR was administered to Mitchell, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Franklin County Coroner is expected to perform an autopsy Wednesday.