Police: Internal investigation underway after suspect dies

Author: Associated Press
Published:
MGN

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) – An internal affairs investigation is underway following the death of a man who experienced medical distress after being arrested by Sarasota police officers.

The Herald-Tribune (http://bit.ly/1H0XnQX ) reports that officers called an ambulance for John Paul Kaafi on May 6. But they canceled the request 37 seconds later, saying the suspect “had a miraculous recovery.”

Kaafi died two days later.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances of Kaafi’s death and the police department has launched an internal investigation. Three officers who were involved in the stop are on administrative leave.

Kaafi was arrested after a traffic stop when police thought he was acting suspiciously. They found cocaine in his car.

Kaafi escaped while being taken to jail by flinging himself out the cruiser window.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.