KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville Police Department said a man died while officers conducted a search warrant on Sunday, and the department's Office of Professional Standards would look into his death.
According to a release from KPD, the Special Operations Squad went to help the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation search an apartment on Asheville Highway, in The Ammons apartment complex. KPD said the search warrant was obtained as part of a narcotics investigation led by TBI.
The squad entered and detained several people at around 9:20 p.m. on Sunday, according to a release from KPD. While the squad was on scene, a 57-year-old man who had been detained said that he did not feel well. KPD said medical assistance was helped and arrived just before 10 p.m.
The man was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center by ambulance. KPD said his condition "quickly and for unknown reasons deteriorated," and he died a short time after arriving at the hospital.
"A preliminary review of the body-camera footage indicated that no force was used in the detainment. Additionally, the preliminary review of the pertinent body-camera footage did not show any violations of departmental policy or procedure," the release said.
It also said the TBI's Criminal Investigation Division would lead the investigation into the in-custody death while the Office of Professional Standards would conduct an internal, administrative investigation to make sure officers did not violate policies or procedures.
KPD said that as of Monday afternoon, no officers were placed on administrative leave or assignment.