Arkansas State Police are investigating the death of a West Memphis man after authorities say he became unresponsive while in custody at the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a news release, West Memphis police requested the state police investigation following the death of Tony Sanders, 40, on Sunday, July 26.
The incident began earlier that day when West Memphis officers responded to a report of a man attempting to break into an ambulance at Crittenden Baptist Hospital. Police said Sanders fled into a nearby field west of the hospital before officers apprehended him. He was arrested on charges of fleeing and disorderly conduct.
Authorities transported Sanders to the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office following his arrest. While in custody, Sanders became unresponsive, prompting his transfer back to Crittenden Baptist Hospital. Medical personnel pronounced him dead shortly after his arrival.
The Arkansas State Police’s Criminal Investigation Division has taken over the case, and no further details were immediately available. The investigation remains ongoing.