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The Leavenworth police have released preliminary autopsy results in the case of a man who died in their custody.
Leavenworth Police Chief Pat Kitchens said the preliminary results indicate Edward Stevenson died July 18 as a result of a condition called excited delirium, which was due to cocaine intoxication. Kitchens said the results cite an enlarged heart and an altercation during an attempted police restraint as secondary contributing factors.
Stevenson, 46, Lansing, died after he reportedly became combative with police officers in downtown Leavenworth. He was Tasered three times as officers attempted to subdue him. Officers ultimately used physical force to restrain him, according to Kitchens.
Stevenson was placed on a gurney and Leavenworth County EMS personnel began to treat him. He then suffered what Kitchens has described as “severe medical issues.”
Stevenson later was pronounced dead at the hospital.
In addition to cocaine, it’s believed Stevenson may have been under the influence of alcohol and opiates, according to Kitchens.
An autopsy was performed last week by Dr. Michael Handler. Kitchens said the police asked the doctor for permission to release the preliminary results given the sensitivity of the case.
“There’s been al a lot of conversation in the community about this case,” Kitchens said.
In addition to an investigation of the incident, which is being overseen by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Leavenworth police officials are reviewing the matter from a policy standpoint.
Kitchens said he’s looking at whether the use of force during the incident was appropriate and whether the Police Department needs a specific policy about how to deal with someone exhibiting symptoms associated with excited delirium.
“I haven’t made any decisions yet,” Kitchens said.
He said excited delirium symptoms include confusion, disorientation, bizarre or violent behavior, extreme aggression, exceptional physical strength and a high pain threshold.
Kitchens also said the Taser guns used during the July 18 incident will be sent to the manufacturer to determine if they’re performing adequately.
He said Leavenworth police officers have been using Taser guns for five years.
The Leavenworth police have released preliminary autopsy results in the case of a man who died in their custody.
Leavenworth Police Chief Pat Kitchens said the preliminary results indicate Edward Stevenson died July 18 as a result of a condition called excited delirium, which was due to cocaine intoxication. Kitchens said the results cite an enlarged heart and an altercation during an attempted police restraint as secondary contributing factors.
Stevenson, 46, Lansing, died after he reportedly became combative with police officers in downtown Leavenworth. He was Tasered three times as officers attempted to subdue him. Officers ultimately used physical force to restrain him, according to Kitchens.
Stevenson was placed on a gurney and Leavenworth County EMS personnel began to treat him. He then suffered what Kitchens has described as “severe medical issues.”
Stevenson later was pronounced dead at the hospital.
In addition to cocaine, it’s believed Stevenson may have been under the influence of alcohol and opiates, according to Kitchens.
An autopsy was performed last week by Dr. Michael Handler. Kitchens said the police asked the doctor for permission to release the preliminary results given the sensitivity of the case.
“There’s been al a lot of conversation in the community about this case,” Kitchens said.
In addition to an investigation of the incident, which is being overseen by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Leavenworth police officials are reviewing the matter from a policy standpoint.
Kitchens said he’s looking at whether the use of force during the incident was appropriate and whether the Police Department needs a specific policy about how to deal with someone exhibiting symptoms associated with excited delirium.
“I haven’t made any decisions yet,” Kitchens said.
He said excited delirium symptoms include confusion, disorientation, bizarre or violent behavior, extreme aggression, exceptional physical strength and a high pain threshold.
Kitchens also said the Taser guns used during the July 18 incident will be sent to the manufacturer to determine if they’re performing adequately.
He said Leavenworth police officers have been using Taser guns for five years.
