August 1, 2012 - Houston police are investigating the death of a man following an incident at 13213 East Freeway about 11:35 p.m. on Tuesday (July 31).

The man, 38, was transported to East Houston Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. His identity and cause of death are pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant R. Rohling reported:

According an employee of the hotel, the man, described as having "wet hair" and "huge eyes," appeared at the front door of the Interstate Motor Lodge at the above address and repeatedly told the clerk he needed help, but would neither enter the motel or leave the premises. The female employee refused to come out from behind the protected area and, after several attempts to find out why the male needed help, she called 9-1-1.

HFD emergency personnel responded to the scene and attempted to help the man but he refused their offers of assistance. HPD patrol officers then responded to the scene and repeatedly attempted to persuade the man to allow HFD paramedics to help him, which he again refused. At that time, officers attempted to detain the man. Following a struggle with officers, in which a Conducted Energy Device (CED) was deployed, he was taken into custody and HFD paramedics began treating him.

Once the paramedics placed him on a gurney, the man again began to struggle. The man was then transported to the hospital where he died.

The incident is being investigated as an in-custody death since it occurred in the presence of HPD officers. As is customary in such cases, the incident is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions.

VHS/KJS 8-1-12
Inc. #097061212