SBI to investigate custodial death

BY BRUCE BRANUM

The Greenville Standard

 

On Thursday, Feb. 6, around 5:40 a.m., the Greenville Police Department responded to a call of a home invasion on Linda Avenue in Greenville.

Officers were told by dispatch the victim stated the offender had forced his way into the residence by breaking out a window and crawling inside.

The offender, later identified as Fredrick Deon Powell, age 43, from Greenville, began breaking items inside the residence and acting violent.

The victim and her daughter locked themselves in their bedroom to try and get away from Powell.

Officers arrived and made entry into the residence. They found Powell lying on the floor kicking and acting erratic.

According to a press release by Greenville Police Chief Justin Lovvorn, “Mr. Powell continued to roll on the floor and did not seem to be in his right mind as officers attempted to talk to him.

“Officers then placed the offender into custody with minimal effort as he continued to stay on the floor.

“As officers escorted the offender to the patrol car, they notified paramedics to meet them at the residence to check out the offender due to his behavior and a minor cut on his arm that appeared to be caused when Mr. Powell crawled in through the broken window.”

Paramedics arrived at the scene and attended Powell.  After completion of their check of Powell, he was transported to the jail.

Lovvorn’s press release also stated, “As officers arrived at the jail, they noticed the offender began to have trouble breathing.  Mr. Powell then became unresponsive.

“Officers immediately took Mr. Powell out of the patrol car and began to perform CPR.  Paramedics were called to the jail and arrived a short time later where they took over the care of Mr. Powell.

“He was then transported by ambulance to the Regional Medical Center of Central Alabama emergency room.

“Mr. Powell regained a pulse for a brief period but was later pronounced deceased at 7 a.m.

“The Greenville Police Department has requested that the State Bureau of Investigation conduct a review of the incident and that an autopsy be performed in order to verify the cause of death.

“The Greenville Police Department would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Powell.

“This was an unfortunate event that will be independently reviewed to ensure all the proper actions were taken.

“Our officers work hard every day to ensure the safety of the citizens of Greenville which includes anyone who is placed into custody as well.”