Lynchburg: Male suspect goes into cardiac arrest after taser deployed in arrest

A suspect went into cardiac arrest after Lynchburg Police officers deployed a taser in their apprehension on Christmas Eve.

According to the Lynchburg Police Department, officers responded to the report of an assault on 5th Street just after noon.

Officers quickly located the suspect involved in the assault. As officers attempted to take the 38-year-old adult male into custody, a struggle ensued. During the encounter, a taser was deployed.

Shortly after being taken into custody, the suspect experienced cardiac arrest. Officers immediately rendered medical aid and were able to regain a pulse.

The suspect was transported by the Lynchburg Fire Department to Lynchburg General Hospital, where he remains under medical care.

His name has not been released.

In accordance with protocol, the taser deployment and the subsequent medical incident are being investigated by the Virginia State Police.

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.