© 2024 Red River Radio
Voice of the Community
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Coroner's Report: Man In SPD Custody Died From Natural Causes

Courtesy: Chuck Smith / Red River Radio News

CORONER’S FINDINGS -    A report released yesterday by the Caddo Coroner’s office  reveals  the  man who died in Shreveport Police custody in early April-- died of natural causes but also states his death could possibly have been prevented.  According to the Shreveport Times– Coroner- - Dr. Todd  Thoma  determined  that  Tommie Dale McGlothen Jr., age 44, died early April 6th from  excited delirium.  A condition  described  in persons  "who are combative and in a highly agitated state" and  have an apparent immunity to pain, often associated with stimulant use and certain psychiatric disorders.     The autopsy showed McGlothen  suffered  non-life threatening multiple  blunt  force  injuries he received from  both  police  and  citizens,  the Coroner he had underlying heart disease and suffered from the excited delirium which were factors that caused his death.  Dr. Thoma’s decision was based on autopsy and toxicology results,  as well as McGlothen’s medical history and review of police and witness statements and videos.

Police officers used Tasers, mace and nightsticks to control McGlothen, who was agitated and combative and had fought with a homeowner in the 3700 block of Eileen Lane late April 5.  Shreveport Police Chief Ben Raymond said in e-mails obtained by the Shreveport Times,  an internal investigation into the death of McGlothen  in police custody  "did not find any criminal wrongdoing”. An investigation is still ongoing.   
 

Chuck Smith brings more than 30 years' broadcast and media experience to Red River Radio. He began his career as a radio news reporter and transitioned to television journalism and newsmagazine production. Chuck studied mass communications at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia and motion picture / television production at the University of California at Los Angeles. He has also taught writing for television at York Technical College in Rock Hill, South Carolina and video / film production at Centenary College of Louisiana, Shreveport.