In-custody death under investigation in Kennewick

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- A Special Investigation Unit is looking into the death of a 25-year old man who passed away while in the custody of Kennewick Police Tuesday afternoon.

According to Lt. Aaron Clem with the Kennewick Police Department, officers responded to a request for a welfare check for a man who was reportedly rolling around inside a car in the parking lot of Starbucks on W. 27th Ave. and Highway 395.

When officers arrived at about 1:30 p.m., they observed the man, who has not been identified, in the vehicle actively involved in using narcotics.

Police officers took the 25-year old man into custody, placing him in the back of a patrol car while they continued to investigate.

When officers went back to the patrol car, they found the man unresponsive.

Officers called for paramedics and started life-saving measures, including the administration of Narcan, a nasal spray that is used to counter the affects of a drug overdose.

Despite the attempts to revive the man, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Because the man died while in police custody, Police Chief Ken Hohenberg has asked a Special Investigation Unit to investigate the death.

At this time, the man's name is not being released because his family hasn't been notified.