KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — What killed a man who was in police custody when he died at the Kalamazoo County Jail last month? There is still no definitive answer.
James Dunigan, 57, had been cleared for release by Bronson Methodist Hospital personnel, but he refused to leave and, after demanding he be taken to jail, was arrested for trespass and handcuffed.
He appeared to have fallen asleep on the way to jail and was checked by officers who just thought he was being uncooperative.
But he wasn’t breathing when they reached the jail. He was handed off to county staff and a jail nurse. They began resuscitation efforts, but they were unsuccessful.
Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley said tests are still being conducted but “based on preliminary discussions with the Kalamazoo County Medical Examiner’s Office there is a strong indication that Mr. Dunigan’s significant medical and personal history were the only factors involved in his death.”
They say it could take another week or two before the toxicology test results are available.
Kalamazoo Public Safety has released the backseat video from Dunigan’s ride.
