The Monroeville Police Department has requested an investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) following an in-custody death.
Ammarin Lada Tunstall, 35, died Monday after he became unresponsive during his arrest. Monroeville Police said officers were responding to a domestic situation and had outstanding warrants on Tunstall when they saw him walking near Crowe Avenue and Marengo Street. When an officer attempted to make contact, Tunstall ran into a wooded area. Other officers responded to take Tunstall into custody. As he was walking with officers, they said he was alert. However, a viral video shows him being dragged.
“Mr. Tunstall was talking with officers and alert but refused to walk. This was not uncommon behavior for Mr. Tunstall,” said police chief Mandee Armstrong.
However, upon arrival at the jail, police said things took a turn when Tunstall became unresponsive. According to police, personnel administered Narcan, a life-saving anti-opioid nose spray, and Tunstall was transported to the hospital, where he died.
An autopsy and toxicology will be performed to determine the cause and manner of death.
The ALEA is investigating the death, and all findings will be turned over to the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.
“Our agency is cooperating fully with the investigation and has turned over all body camera footage and evidence,” said Armstrong. “ … Our agency offers its condolences to the Tunstall family and asks everyone to keep them in their prayers.”
The officers involved in the arrest have been placed on paid administrative leave.
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