ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 A suspect is now in a coma after a traffic stop escalated into a hectic drug arrest late last month, according to the Orlando Police Department.<\/p>\n
In a release, police said the incident happened on the night of March 27, when the driver \u2014 identified as Terry Mitchell, 55 \u2014 was pulled over near North John Young Parkway and Old Winter Garden Road over traffic infractions.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring the stop, officers detected the odor of burnt cannabis coming from the vehicle and observed cannabis in plain view,\u201d the release reads.<\/p>\n
[BELOW: Watch the full traffic stop with Mitchell]<\/p>\n
However, Mitchell reportedly refused to get out of the vehicle, resisting attempts by officers to detain him, police added.<\/p>\n
During the investigation, the department noted that cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis and pepper spray were recovered.<\/p>\n
[BELOW: Watch bodycam footage of officers searching Mitchell\u2019s car]<\/p>\n
But while he was being detained, Mitchell was spotted trying to chew and swallow something that investigators believed to be drugs, police revealed. In addition, Mitchell allegedly refused to be taken to the hospital.<\/p>\n
\u201cOfficers gave multiple commands for him to remove the item from his mouth; however, he refused to comply,\u201d the release continues. \u201cWhile in the back of the patrol vehicle, Mitchell continued chewing in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n
[BELOW: Video shows first responders tending to Mitchell after detainment]<\/p>\n
Upon arrival at the booking center, Mitchell refused to get out of the patrol car and was seen spitting blood, prompting corrections officers to put a spit mask on him, police stated.<\/p>\n
That said, his condition and his refusal to cooperate with a medical screening meant jail staff declined to admit him, so Mitchell was taken to the hospital for medical clearance instead, investigators reported.<\/p>\n
[BELOW: Raw bodycam footage shows Mitchell being taken to hospital]<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile at the emergency room, Mitchell continued to physically resist officers and medical staff,\u201d police wrote. \u201cHe repeatedly tensed his body, pulled away from officers, and refused to comply with directions as staff attempted to evaluate him.\u201d<\/p>\n
As such, police said they had to physically restrain Mitchell to prevent him from hurting medical personnel and allow staff to safely provide care.<\/p>\n
Mitchell also spat blood onto an officer\u2019s face and mouth at this point, resulting in another charge of battery on a law enforcement officer, the police department explained.<\/p>\n
[BELOW: Bodycam footage shows officers restraining Mitchell at hospital]<\/p>\n
\u201cPossibly due to the ingestion of suspected illegal narcotics, Mitchell experienced a medical emergency and remains hospitalized,\u201d the release concludes.<\/p>\n
Now, Mitchell faces the following charges:<\/p>\n
Possession of cocaine<\/p>\n
Possession of methamphetamine<\/p>\n
Possession of cannabis<\/p>\n
Tampering with evidence<\/p>\n
Possession of a concealed weapon by a convicted felon<\/p>\n
Resisting an officer without violence (2 counts)<\/p>\n
Battery on a law enforcement officer<\/p>\n
However, Orlando Attorney Ben Crump announced afterward that Mitchell is still in the hospital, having fallen into a coma.<\/p>\n
Crump, along with Mitchell\u2019s family, said they want to know how that\u2019s possible.<\/p>\n
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