
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, July 1, 1995                   TAG: 9507030132
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA.                                 LENGTH: Short

VIRGINIAN WHO DIED IN JAIL HAD CARDIAC DISEASE

Preliminary autopsy results do not show any links between the use of pepper spray and the death of a Virginia man whom police arrested, authorities said.

The autopsy performed Thursday on Robert Franklin Williams, 41, of Abingdon showed that he had severe coronary artery disease. The examination also revealed abrasions and bruises caused by leg shackles and handcuffs.

Williams fought repeatedly with officers as he was being taken into a holding cell and was hit with pepper spray before he collapsed. He had been arrested for driving with a revoked license, said Robert Porter, director of investigations for the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.

Medical Examiner Terrence Steiner was conducting additional tests to determine if Williams died of a heart attack or was under the influence of drugs.

Williams was arrested on Interstate 95 about 2 a.m. Wednesday. He began to struggle, and officers sprayed him with pepper spray, according to reports. Another deputy and a Florida Highway Patrol trooper came and helped the arresting officer restrain Williams.

Rescue personnel examined him at the scene and said he did not need medical treatment. At the jail, Williams again began to fight before he collapsed and died.

- Associated Press

by CNB