Union City, Tenn.–A 37-year-old Union City man who was being booked into the Obion Co. Jail early this morning died in custody and an investigation is underway into the cause of his death.
According to a press release issued by the Obion Co. Sheriff’s Office, Union City Police arrived at the jail with an individual in custody at 1:44 a.m. Monday.
The individual, Sterling Lapree Higgins, was described in the press release as uncooperative with the arresting officer and correctional staff, “to the point he assaulted staff members”.
Mr. Higgins was subdued and shortly afterward EMS was contacted for medical assistance, at which time he was transported by ambulance to Baptist Memorial Hospital.
At 2:52 a.m., the Obion Co. Jail staff were notified that Mr. Higgins had been pronounced deceased. According to the press release, “There were no apparent injuries to Mr. Higgins or the officers involved. An autopsy has been ordered and we are awaiting the findings.”
The investigation is underway and the sheriff’s office is currently interviewing witnesses. “Both the District Attorney and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has been notified for assistance in the investigation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Higgins family,” according to the press release.
Photo courtesy of Lacey Bonds.
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