TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. — A Florida man under arrest and handcuffed broke away from officers and later died after jumping into a nearby bay, authorities said.
Donnie Kent Brownlow Jr. 33, of St. Petersburg, was arrested by officers of the Treasure Island Police Department on Sunday and charged with domestic battery, obstruction, felony drive while license suspended and violation of probation, WFLA reported.
Brownlow was transported to the Treasure Island Police Department headquarters, where he waited for a transport van to take him to jail, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
While still in handcuffs and being walked to the van, Brownlow broke free and jumped into Boca Ciega Bay, WTSP reported. Paramedics from the Treasure Island Fire Department pulled Brownlow from the water and gave him CPR, the television station reported. Brownlow was taken to an area hospital and died at 9:40 p.m., the Times reported.
Pinellas County Jail records show Brownlow had been arrested several times since 2013, WTVT reported. Previous arrests include charges of fleeing and eluding a police officer, aggravated battery, child neglect, several DUIs, and driving on a suspended or revoked license, according to online jail records.
Authorities said Brownlow’s death does not appear to be suspicious, WFTS reported.
Detectives with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office robbery and homicide unit are investigating Brownlow’s death because it occurred while Brownlow was in police custody, according to the Times.