Ronald Singleton, 45, is the second man to die after being allegedly mishandled by NYPD. He was placed in a “protective body wrap” to physically restrain him after becoming combative while riding in a taxi and fighting with a polio officer on foot patrol near St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan.
The medical examiner has ruled Singleton was in a state of “excited delirium,” which is linked to severe intoxication from PCP or angel dust. When he was arrested, he was placed in a protective body wrap to keep him physically restrained while being transported to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. He died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.
The ME says the wrap contributed to his death as well as cites heart disease exacerbated by high blood pressure and thickened arteries, as well as obesity, as contributing factors in his death.
Singleton’s death took place four days before Eric Garner was placed in a chokehold for illegally selling cigarettes.
