A man who was tased by Pittsburgh police during an arrest Wednesday morning died in a hospital about 24 hours later.
Allegheny County Police are investigating the incident. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the man as 54-year-old Jim Rogers.
Public Safety spokesperson Cara Cruz said officers were dispatched around 10:20 a.m. Wednesday to the 5100 block of Harriett Street in Bloomfield for a report of a theft in progress. Neighbors told Tribune-Review news partner WPXI-TV officers responded after a homeless man took a bike in someone’s front yard for a ride before returning it.
Rogers allegedly refused police instructions and was struck with a taser during the arrest, Cruz said.
Cruz said the man had a medical emergency outside the hospital and was admitted in critical condition.
“The male became unresponsive during the transport and was subsequently admitted into the hospital.” Allegheny County Police Superintendent Chris Kearns said in a statement.
He died Thursday morning, police said.
“All facts related to this incident will be provided to the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office for review.” Kearns said. “Any identification of the involved officers will be at the discretion of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.”
Anyone with information about the incident should call the county police tip line at 833-255-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.
The male who was taken into custody during a theft in progress call in the 5100 block of Harriet St. on Oct.13, was pronounced deceased this morning.
All inquiries regarding this investigation should be directed to the @AlleghenyCoPD.
More here ➡️https://t.co/6fJNw97vEf pic.twitter.com/FEKHDYcS7F— Pittsburgh Police (@PghPolice) October 14, 2021
