Crime & Safety
Shoplifting Suspect Dies After Being Arrested By Cumming Police: GBI
A probe is underway after the 32-year-old man, who had trouble breathing, later died at a local hospital, the GBI said.
CUMMING, GA — The death of a New York man who was arrested by Cumming Police is under investigation, state authorities said Monday.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Robert Cornelious Powell, 32, of Brooklyn, was arrested Sunday after being accused of shoplifting from two retail stores.
When officers first arrived at the scene, the GBI said Powell ran from them and prompted a police chase that entered the woods. Powell eventually surrendered, and police took him into custody, the GBI said.
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While placing handcuffs on him, the GBI said officers found a leg injury on Powell. He then told the officers he had difficulty breathing, the GBI said.
Emergency medical personnel responded and took Powell to a local hospital, the GBI said. After his condition declined, he was pronounced dead at the hospital, the GBI said.
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Powell will be taken to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.
When the investigation is complete, it will be given to the Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office for review.
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