Special agents with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the in-custody death of a Blytheville man who suffered a medical emergency at the Mississippi County Detention Center.
According to a news release from state police, 39-year-old Edgar Andrew Guyton was arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 10, by a Blytheville police officer for unlawful use of a communication device. Guyton was on felony probation at the time of his arrest.
The release stated that Guyton accompanied Drug Task Force agents to his residence, where a probation search was conducted. During the search, agents reportedly found evidence on an electronic device suggesting involvement in narcotics sales.
Following the search, Blytheville police transported Guyton to the detention center. While conducting a search of Guyton at the facility, officers and detention staff discovered what was suspected to be fentanyl concealed on his person, according to the release.
The release said Guyton became combative during the search and attempted to swallow the concealed narcotics. The packaging reportedly broke inside his mouth, and he lost consciousness soon afterward.
Detention center staff quickly administered multiple doses of Narcan and performed CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived. Guyton was rushed to a hospital in Osceola, where he was later pronounced dead.
State police confirmed that Guyton’s body will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for an autopsy to determine the exact cause and manner of death. The investigation remains ongoing.