SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — The San Marcos Police Department and Texas Rangers are investigating an in-custody death after an incident Tuesday evening, according to a Wednesday release.
Police responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls regarding a man on Interstate 35 near mile marker 200. Numerous callers said the man — described as white and in his 40s — was “acting erratically,” yelling and possibly throwing objects while on top of the overpass over Posey Road. The man was identified as Dennis Thornton, a 43-year-old Leander resident.
San Marcos PD said when officers approached Thornton, he initially didn’t respond but then began moving toward officers. Officers used a stun gun on Thornton, who then fell to the ground, per the release.
Police said there was a brief struggling while restraining and handcuffing Thornton, adding he “did not coherently respond verbally to questions or commands.” Officers said they thought he might be having a medical emergency and took him to Christus Santa Rosa Hospital, where he died.
In a briefing held Thursday morning, SMPD said after interviewing Thornton’s girlfriend they learned Thornton had left their home the night before to consume alcohol and drugs. The next day they both went to a hospital in New Braunfels for an appointment for her. The girlfriend then requested the hospital staff to call the police after seeing that Thornton was still acting erratically.
Thornton then left the hospital and officers say it is still unclear how Thornton then ended up in San Marcos. Once officers arrived at the scene they say Thornton was running in and out of traffic. “Possibly contemplating jumping off of the overpass”.
Once Thornton was taken into custody and then transported to a San Marcos hospital, he was treated for 51 minutes before he was pronounced dead. Medical personnel reported he arrived with a body temperature of 108 degrees.
San Marcos EMS said a combination of mental health issues, dehydration and use of alcohol and drugs may have led to his behavior. They also believe he was undergoing excited or hyper delirium.
San Marcos Assistant City Manager, Lonzo Anderson said the city will work together to assist in the investigation. “We will work hard to make this a place where everyone can live, work and play.”
The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office has been tasked with completing Thornton’s autopsy. San Marcos PD’s Criminal Investigation Division, the department’s Office of Professional Conduct and the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Texas Rangers Division will be continuing the investigating.