A man who went into cardiac arrest after a taser was deployed by a Lynchburg police officer died Tuesday.
Orlando T. Harding, 38, was receiving medical care at Lynchburg General Hospital since the Dec. 24 incident.
According to the Lynchburg Police Department, officers responded to the report of an assault in the 500 block of 5th Street just after noon on Christmas Eve.
Officers quickly located Harding, and as they attempted to take him into custody, a struggle ensued leading to the deployment of the taser by police.
Shortly after being taken into custody, the suspect experienced cardiac arrest. Officers immediately rendered medical aid and were able to regain a pulse before being transported to the hospital by the Lynchburg Fire Department, according to the LPD.
ICYMI
In accordance with protocol, the taser deployment and death are being investigated by Virginia State Police. Upon completion of the state investigation, the LPD will conduct an internal review to ensure all policies and procedures were followed and determine if any of those policies should be updated.
Anyone with information related to the initial assault or events leading up to the incident are asked to contact the LPD at (434) 847-1602. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Central Virginia Crime Stoppers by calling (888) 798-5900 or using the P3 Tips mobile app.
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Crystal Graham
