Harrison County man dies after being handcuffed

CORYDON, Ind. (WISH) — A southern Indiana man died after being handcuffed early Thursday morning, Indiana State Police say.

Around 3 a.m. Thursday, deputies with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department responded to a residence on Fey Drive Northwest in Corydon after the homeowner called 911. The homeowner reported 43-year-old Jessie Frank Harris was on the back patio acting strangely. The homeowner also advised that although Harris had recently resided at the house, he was no longer allowed on the property. 

After officers arrived on the scene, they observed Harris acting erratic and strangely. Officers then attempted to secure Harris for safety concerns by placing him in handcuffs. As officers placed Harris in handcuffs, he appeared to have a medical event and collapsed. Emergency medical personnel were immediately called and rushed Harris to the Harrison County Hospital. He died shortly after he arrived at the hospital.   

An autopsy was performed Thursday morning at the Harrison County Hospital; however, doctors observed no apparent physical cause of death. Although toxicology results in the investigation were pending, investigators believed drugs may be a factor in this case.