Suncoast: Death investigation underway after man dies in protective custody
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
BPD
The Bradenton Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) are investigating an in-custody death.
At 3:30 a.m., the emergency communications center received a 911 call from 51-year-old Todd Donahue, who reported he was on 1st St and “the cartel” was chasing him. A second 911 call was received from a witness at Wawa (701 1st St E) who said Donahue was at the business and acting erratically.
Officers arrived at Wawa and found Donahue. They assessed that Donahue’s behavior met the criteria for the Florida Baker Act, and he should be taken into protective custody. Although Donahue resisted, officers successfully detained him.
EMS responded to transport Donahue to Manatee Memorial Hospital for evaluation and treatment of a laceration. He became unresponsive during transport and died at the hospital this morning.
Per Bradenton Police Department Policy, FDLE will take the lead on the in-custody death investigation. After the FDLE investigation concludes, BPD will conduct an internal investigation to ensure that the involved officers followed all department policies and procedures.
Detectives notified Mr. Donahue’s next of kin. Additional information will not be available until the autopsy results are received.