LEXINGTON, S.C. – A wanted man died Wednesday afternoon after running away from Lexington County deputies.
Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher has not publicly identified the man, pending notification of family members.
“Work is already underway to confirm what happened in this situation and what caused the man’s death,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “In addition to our own internal review, I’ve asked the State Law Enforcement Division to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
“A deputy encountered the man at a store in Red Bank and knew he had an outstanding arrest warrant for shoplifting,” Koon said. “The deputy approached the man and started a conversation; however, the man ran away after being informed about the outstanding warrant.
“It is my understanding the man ran into the woods,” Koon said. “Deputies ran after him and eventually used a Taser to subdue him after he was located and was noncompliant with verbal commands.”
Deputies handcuffed the man and were walking him back to a patrol vehicle when he began showing signs of medical distress, according to Koon. The deputies eventually removed the handcuffs and rendered aid to the man until paramedics arrived to transport him to the hospital.
Koon said three deputies are on paid administrative leave in accordance with department policy.