Miami Beach Teen Dies In Custody After Being Tased
MIAMI BEACH (CBS4) - Miami Beach Police are investigating the death of a teen who died in custody after officers say they were forced to use their Taser to subdue him.
Police say Israel Hernandez, 18, was vandalizing property on 71st and Collins just after 5 a.m. on August 6th. When officers approached him, police say Hernandez took off running.
Officers began chasing Hernandez and despite several warnings to stop, police say he continued to flee. According to police, Hernandez and the officers met face-to-face at 71st and Harding Avenue, where an officer fired his Taser to subdue the suspect.
After officers took Hernandez into custody, according to the incident report, he started to show symptoms of medical distress and Miami Beach Fire Rescue was dispatched to the scene.
Hernandez was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Hernandez's cause of death has not been determined.
One of Hernandez's friends, who was with him that morning, claims officers were mocking him as he lay injured and dying on the ground. Another friend believes Hernandez ran because he was worried about his immigration status.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and they offered their condolences to Hernandez's family.
Hernandez's family has hired an attorney.
