A man died Thursday evening on the way to Lowndes County Adult Detention Center, and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has been called in to handle the case.
Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant identified the victim as Michael Glenn Guyton, 56, of St. Cloud, Florida. He said Guyton had been in an altercation at Glenn’s BBQ and had been arrested by the Columbus Police Department.
En route to the jail, the man became unresponsive in the back seat of a patrol unit, according to both Merchant and a CPD press release.
“The man got quiet and slumped over, and the officer pulled over at Fairview Baptist Church and tried to render aid,” Merchant said.
The officer performed CPR until medical responders arrived but was unable to revive him.
In the press release, Police Chief Fred Shelton confirmed MBI was called in to handle the investigation, per police department procedure for in-custody deaths.
“They will take full responsibility for the case,” Shelton said.
By state law, when someone dies in police custody an autopsy is required, Merchant said, and the body will be sent to the state crime lab.
Merchant said Guyton is a former Lowndes County resident and still has family here.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
Join the Discussion