VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A 34-year-old man has died in the hospital after he suffered a medical emergency while being arrested and booked by the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office.
WATCH: VB sheriff calls for investigation after man in custody has medical emergency
On Monday, Sentara Princess Anne Hospital confirmed to News 3 that the man, Rolin Hill, died. It’s unclear when Hill died, but hospital staff told us on Sunday afternoon that he was in the intensive care unit.
The sheriff’s office took Hill into custody on the night of Tuesday, June 4, according to a statement released Sunday by Sheriff Rocky Holcomb — prior to his death.
According to an arrest warrant obtained by News 3, an officer claims Hill was told to leave a 7-Eleven by a manager and an officer, but refused to leave, though officers said they offered him a ride home on multiple occassions. When an officer told him he was under arrest, Hill “became disorderly,” started fighting officers and tried to grab an officer’s gear, the officer claims.
According to an update from police, officers responded to the 7-Eleven at around 6:30 p.m. in the 1700 block of Brigands Way. Officers said they conferred with the business owner who wished to prosecute, at which point the officers attempted to arrest Hill.
While Hill was being booked at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center, he became "uncooperative and combative," according to the statement, prompting deputies to restrain him "for his safety and the safety of the arresting officers and jail deputies". Shortly after, Hill had a medical emergency, the statement says, and was taken to Sentara Princess Anne.
The sheriff’s office nor the hospital elaborated on the nature of Hill's medical emergency.
Virginia Beach
VB sheriff calls for investigation after man in custody has medical emergency
Hill was released from VBSO custody on Wednesday — the day after the incident, the statement says. The charges Hill faced for trespassing, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct — all misdemeanor offenses — were dismissed, according to online court records.
An investigation into the sheriff’s office's handling of the situation is being conducted by the Professional Standards Office, according to Sheriff Holcomb. He said he also requested an independent third-party investigation, led by Virginia State Police.
"We are investigating the incident with Rolin Hill and are committed to a full and comprehensive investigation, which is why I have asked Virginia State Police to conduct an independent review," Holcomb said in the statement on Sunday. "I cannot comment on the specific facts of the case at this time due to the need to preserve the integrity of the investigation. As always, I am committed to full transparency with the community and will be open with the findings when the investigation is complete."
A statement from Virginia State Police, shared with News 3 on Monday, confirms they're investigating the incident.
"At the request of Virginia Beach Sheriff Rocky Holcomb, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Chesapeake Field Office is investigating the arrest and booking process on June 4, 2024, of Rolin G. Hill, 34, at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center. The investigation remains ongoing at this time. Once the investigation is completed, state police will turn its investigative findings over to the Commonwealth's Attorney for final review and adjudication."
Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney Colin Stolle's Office also shared a statement on the incident:
"First, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Hill family for the loss of Rolin Hill. The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office is aware of the incident involving Mr. Hill, and understands the Virginia State Police is investigating his death. Upon the conclusion of their investigation, the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office will conduct a review to determine whether criminal charges are appropriate. We are prohibited from discussing pending investigations and prosecutions, but will provide an update at the appropriate time."
We have a crew following this story today. Stay with News 3 for updates.
