Police investigate after man dies at Co. Mental Health Complex

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee police are investigating after a 48-year-old Milwaukee man died at the Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex on Friday, December 20th after being medicated by a nurse.

According to authorities, officers with District 3 responded to an apartment in the 3700 block of W. Wells around 12:30 a.m. after receiving a call for police. Upon arrival, officers arrested a 48-year-old Milwaukee man who had been threatening his wife with a hammer.

Police say due to the concern that the suspect was in mental crisis, the officers conveyed him to the Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex.

Once at the complex, police say the suspect became combative. During that time, security personnel with the complex and one for the arresting officers restrained the suspect while a nurse with the Mental Health Complex medicated him.

Officials say the suspect then became unresponsive, and despite live-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead by medical personnel. Police say they are currently awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of the death.

Police say the suspect has a documented history of contact with the mental health system, including at least two prior contacts with the Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex in the last week.

This incident remains under investigation, and as is standard practice, the officers will be placed on administrative duty pending the results of that investigation.