Death in Police Custody: A 55-Year-Old Man’s Fatal Encounter

A 55-year-old Denton man complained about dehydration and breathing troubles about two hours before he died in Dallas police’s custody, according to footage released by the department.

Horace John Groves III’s time of death was 3:51 a.m. April 29, according to the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s record. A report on his manner of death was still pending as of Friday night.

Groves was the first person to die in custody involving Dallas police this year, according to Lieutenant Bobbie Epperson. The Dallas Police Special Investigations Unit and the Dallas County District Attorney are now conducting independent investigations into his death.

The Incident Unfolds

According to the news release, officers conducted a felony stop just before 1 a.m. after they ran the vehicle’s license plate and discovered it was associated with Groves, who was wanted by Corinth police for burglary and aggravated sexual assault.

During the stop, an officer placed Groves in handcuffs and he sat on the curb, as seen on the released footage. Officers also located in the car a drug pipe, five baggies of cocaine, as well as two handguns that were determined to have been stolen during the burglary and aggravated sexual assault in Corinth, according to the news release.

Police said Groves was placed in the back of a squad car just before 1:30 a.m.

A Cry for Help

Within a few minutes, Groves asked an officer for water, according to in-car video footage released by police. He then told an officer sitting in the front seat that he hadn’t had water in “about six or seven hours” and was having breathing difficulties.

“I’m feeling about to pass out,” he said.

The officer, who was asking Groves if he had any medical problems, then requested support from Dallas Fire-Rescue just before 1:40 a.m., according to the footage.

Medical Attention

Around 15 minutes later, Dallas Fire-Rescue personnel could be seen checking on Groves, who repeated that he hadn’t had water for several hours and was having “a hard time breathing.” One individual then noted that Groves’ lungs sounded good and his oxygen level was at 98%, adding that “everything is checking out.”

All the while, Groves continued to ask for a drink, but the Dallas Fire-Rescue personnel said they didn’t carry water with them.

When again asked if he has any medical conditions, Groves said: “I’m old. I have asthma and I’m broke down and beat up… And I’m also high… and dehydrated.” He didn’t say what drugs he took.

The Final Moments

By 2:16 a.m., Groves was placed in an interview room in the Southeast Patrol Station and given water, police said.

According to the news release, Groves was escorted to the restroom twice at 2:25 a.m. and at 2:36 a.m. Then just before 3 a.m., a detective entered the room to begin the interview, police said.

In the shared interview room video footage, Groves could be seen leaning back in his chair and exhibiting signs of being unwell, before asking the officer to help him sit up. The officer then assisted him as he was grunting.

The footage then cut out, replaced with a message from Dallas police saying that Groves “collapsed and slid out of the chair and onto the floor.” In the news release, police said officers called Dallas Fire-Rescue at 3:02 a.m. while doing CPR and chest compressions on Groves for close to 10 minutes.

Dallas Fire-Rescue then arrived at 3:13 a.m. and Groves was declared deceased at 3:39 a.m., according to the news release.

Investigations and Reactions

This stated time of death, however, is earlier than that in the medical examiner’s record. When asked for clarification by The Dallas Morning News, Dallas police said their records indicate 3:39 a.m.

Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesperson Jason Evans told The News Saturday the department “is aware of this incident and is in the process of reviewing the response to determine whether appropriate protocols and procedures were followed.”

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Groves was a registered sex offender. He was convicted of aggravated sexual assault in 1994 and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. He had a lifetime registration requirement.

Conclusion

The death of Horace John Groves III in police custody raises questions about the handling of medical emergencies and the treatment of individuals in custody. As investigations continue, it is essential to examine the circumstances surrounding Groves’ death and ensure that necessary measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the cause of Horace John Groves III’s death?

A: The cause of death is still pending, according to the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s record.

Q: What was Groves arrested for?

A: Groves was wanted by Corinth police for burglary and aggravated sexual assault.

Q: Did Groves receive medical attention while in custody?

A: Yes, Groves received medical attention from Dallas Fire-Rescue personnel, who checked his vital signs and provided him with water.

Q: Is the Dallas Police Department conducting an investigation into Groves’ death?

A: Yes, the Dallas Police Special Investigations Unit and the Dallas County District Attorney are conducting independent investigations into Groves’ death.