Louisiana State Police detectives are investigating the death of a man who has been taken into custody by the Houma Police Department.
"The preliminary investigation revealed a HPD officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation in the area of Louisiana Highway 3040 at Grinage Street," said trooper Ross Brennan, public information officer for Louisiana State Police Troop C. "During the traffic stop, the driver actively resisted the officer and attempted to flee on foot. The HPD officer deployed their Taser on the driver and was able to place the driver into custody."
According to police, the suspect tried to conceal drugs using his mouth.
"After being seated in the rear of an HPD patrol unit, HPD officers observed the driver attempting to conceal multiple bags of suspected narcotics in his mouth," said Brennan. "The driver was then removed from the patrol unit and soon became unresponsive."
Authorities say officers began life-saving efforts and called paramedics, but the driver died shortly after being taken to a nearby hospital.
State police ask if anyone has information and/or pictures and video to share that information with LSP Investigators by calling (985) 876-8834.