A man who died after being stun-gunned and handcuffed by deputies in Lexington County has been identified as Bernice Junior Smith. The 32-year-old man from Aiken went unresponsive during a warrant service and was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to a local hospital. The cause of death is still under investigation. Three deputies have been placed on leave following the incident. By Jordan Lawrence jordan@lexingtonchronicle.com reported
An individual who was reported to have died on August 9th after being stun-gunned and handcuffed by deputies has now been identified as Bernice Junior Smith, a 32-year-old man from Aiken. According to the Lexington County Coroner’s Office, Smith became unresponsive during a warrant service and was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death has not yet been determined, and an autopsy is scheduled for August 11th. The incident is currently being investigated by the state Law Enforcement Division and the coroner’s office, in addition to an internal review by the sheriff’s department.
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The events leading up to Smith’s death began when a deputy encountered him at a store in the Red Bank area of Lexington County and discovered an outstanding warrant for shoplifting. Smith fled into the woods upon learning about the warrant and was eventually apprehended after being struck with a Taser. While being escorted back to a patrol vehicle, Smith began experiencing medical distress, prompting the deputies to remove his handcuffs and provide aid until paramedics arrived.
In accordance with department policy, three deputies have been placed on leave following Smith’s death. This is an ongoing story and will be updated as more information becomes available..