A D.C. man’s death will be investigated as a homicide after he suffered neck injuries during a physical altercation with hospital security officers.
The decision by authorities comes after the D.C. medical examiner’s office found that the patient’s cause of death was blunt force injuries that included spinal cord and vertebrae damage.
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James E. McBride, 74, got into the confrontation with officers on Sep. 29 after he left MedStar Washington Hospital Center without signing out, according to the Washington Post.
A nurse and security officer located McBride across the street from the hospital and walked him back toward the facility before turning him over to two other officers. At that point McBride became non-compliant, according to hospital officials, and was taken to the ground following a brief struggle just outside of the hospital. He was declared dead shortly after the incident.
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Two of the officers involved have been put on administrative leave as the investigation is ongoing. No charges have been filed.
The hospital’s security officers are considered special police officers licensed through the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. The officers have authority to carry firearms and make arrests in their jurisdiction.
