Tampa Republic

The Tampa Police Department is currently investigating an in-custody death that occurred on December 26, 2024. Officers responded to a report of a man acting erratically at the Sav-A-Lot store located at 5002 E. Broadway. The individual, described as an adult black male in his early 30s, had left the scene before police arrived.

Further reports from nearby businesses indicated similar behavior from the same person. Around 4:00 pm, the subject approached an officer working extra duty at a nearby bank and claimed he was being followed. Patrol officers identified him as the same individual reported earlier and took him into custody under the Baker Act.

After being transported to Gracepoint for assessment, the man began yelling and continued his erratic behavior. While staff assessed him in the presence of officers, he started foaming at the mouth. Life-saving measures were initiated when no pulse was detected, and he was rushed to a hospital.

Paramedics managed to revive him during transport; however, he later died after arriving at the hospital. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death.

The investigation remains active with updates forthcoming as available.