JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville Sheriff's Office arrestee died in the hospital Sunday, one day after experiencing hallucinations and getting into an altercation with an officer and firefighter, officials said Tuesday.
Joseph Roy Lawson, 43, was in jail on two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, firefighter, EMT and one count of resisting without violence, according to a release by JSO.
Lawson was arrested in the evening hours Sunday following "an altercation with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue personnel." The release states that around 5 p.m., Lawson contacted JSO to report that unknown people were following him.
"As a result, officers responded to his location and determined that he was experiencing hallucinations," the release states.
Once on scene, officers found Lawson who was "sweating profusely" and "would not stop walking around." Lawson's arrest report states he told officers there were people in bushes watching him when no one was there.
"He told on-scene officers that he had 'snorted' an unknown medication, at which point, officers contacted JFRD in order for Mr. Lawson to be medically evaluated."
JSO says when members with JFRD responded to Lawson in the 4200 block of Losco Road, he agreed to be taken to a local hospital for a more extensive evaluation. The release notes Lawson "became agitated, combative and attempted to exit" the rear of the ambulance once he was inside.
As he was exiting the ambulance, JSO says Lawson battered a JFRD member as they were attending to him. JSO attempted to arrest him, which is when Lawson allegedly battered an officer.
Lawson was detained shortly after and taken to the hospital for treatment of his alleged hallucinations. His condition worsened overnight and he died around 11 a.m. the next day, the release states.
Police say an active investigation is ongoing into Lawson's death, in collaboration with the Medical Examiner's Office, as his cause of death is currently undetermined.