_ROYAL POLICE FORCE OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA_

_Office of Strategic Communications (STRATCOM)_

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

_INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING DEATH OF PRISONER_

St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the death of 36-year-old Rashawn Shabazz, who died at the hospital, following an incident at His Majesty’s Prison on Thursday, July 23rd.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the prisoner became aggressive and barricaded himself inside his cell, after prison officers attempted to escort him for a scheduled medical assessment.

After several attempts to have the matter peacefully resolved failed, the prison authorities requested police assistance.

The inmate reportedly continued to resist and threaten officers, resulting in the use of non-lethal measures to remove him safely from the cell.

He was subsequently transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where medical personnel immediately attended to him. Despite efforts by medical staff to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at approximately 11:37 a.m.

The Police Administration extends sincere condolences to the family of Rashawn, and reassures them that a full inquiry will be carried out into the incident.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Police Probe Circumstances Surrounding Death of Prisoner Rashawn Shabazz.