Tasers used on man; cocaine found at scene

February 17, 2009

Patti Dozier The Times Enterprise Tue Feb 17, 2009, 09:13 PM EST

THOMASVILLE — A Florida man who died mysteriously here early Friday was in a wreck a week before his death. Tasers were used in his arrest.

Also, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, a substance found at the scene is believed to be cocaine that belonged to the man, Rudolph Byrd Jr., 37, Quincy, Fla.

A Thomas County Sheriff’s Office deputy discovered Byrd’s pickup truck on U.S. 19 North near Thomasville about 1:30 a.m. Friday. Byrd seemed disoriented.

The man was bleeding from lacerations on his arms, and a scuffle took place when the officer attempted to help him. When Byrd quit breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed. He was pronounced dead at Archbold Memorial Hospital.

Byrd, who checked into a U.S. 19 North motel Thursday night, also was combative with emergency medical service personnel.

He had been arrested and was in custody at the time of his death.

The vehicle was not wrecked, and Byrd was injured before the deputy found him.

On Monday, Ronnie Thompson, head of the Thomasville regional GBI office, said gunfire was not involved in the incident.

Information released Tuesday by the GBI office shows Byrd had to be restrained with handcuffs and Tasers.

“It appears some of Byrd’s injuries were caused prior to any engagement with law enforcement,” according to a GBI press release.

“The GBI medical examiner’s office is awaiting the toxicology report and other lab tests prior to determining the cause of death. The autopsy did show that Byrd’s injuries were superficial and were not sufficient to cause death,” the release said.

The GBI probe of the death of continuing. When completed, results will be turned over to the district attorney’s office for review.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 220.