TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A man died shortly after being taken into custody early Tuesday morning, according to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office announced the death of 50-year-old James Lee in a press release around 12:45 a.m. Wednesday. The sheriff’s office’s statement also detailed the moments leading up to Lee’s arrest.
The incident transpired at about 6 a.m. Tuesday after deputies responded to the 3100 block of South Fulmer Circle in reference to an agency assist for Emergency Medical Services, LCSO wrote in its press release.
Authorities arrived at the scene and encountered a man, later identified as Lee, who deputies said went into the home and barricaded himself inside with a woman he was allegedly holding against her will.
“Deputies then became aware that the woman needed urgent assistance,” the sheriff’s office said.
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When deputies attempted to intervene, Lee allegedly began waving a knife “in an aggressive manner,” according to LCSO. As a result, a deputy deployed his taser and took the 50-year-old into custody.
The woman was transported to a local hospital with “severe injuries,” per the sheriff’s office.
Shortly after being taken into custody, LCSO said Lee became unresponsive. Authorities attempted to save his life until EMS arrived. However, he was transported to a local hospital, where deputies said he was later pronounced dead.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of the death, according to the sheriff’s office.
“As protocol for all in-custody deaths, this remains an active investigation and additional information will be released as it becomes available,” LCSO said.
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