VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A man who was in custody of the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office had a medical emergency after being restrained on the evening of June 4, according to a statement from Sheriff Rocky Holcomb.
While deputies were booking the man, 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, the man had a medical emergency and was taken to Sentara Princess Anne Hospital.
An investigation into the incident by the Professional Standards Office will now commence, and an independent third-party investigation also has been requested by Sheriff Holcomb. The latter will be conducted by Virginia State Police.
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The charges the arrested man faced for trespassing, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct — all misdemeanor offenses — were dismissed, according to online records for the Virginia Beach General District Court. News 3 has chosen not to name the man because he is no longer facing these charges.
"We are investigating the incident with [the man] 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 a statement. "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."
The man was released from VBSO custody on June 5.
On Sunday, News 3's Jay Greene confirmed with hospital staff that the man is still in its intensive care unit.
