KANSAS CITY —A shoplifting suspect who died while in custody of the Kansas City Police Department has been identified as 46-year-old Christopher Christian.
Just after 6:30pm Thursday, two KCPD officers were working off-duty security at Walmart in the 8500 block of N Boardwalk Avenue, according to Police Captain Jake Becchina.
At that time the officers took a man later identified as Christian into custody for investigation of shoplifting. Officers escorted him to the security office. While Christian was seated in the office officers observed him attempt to swallow an unknown object.
Officers attempted to get him to spit the object out but he refused. He began to exhibit difficulty breathing and then lost consciousness.
Officers immediately began to render aid and called for EMS. Officers continued lifesaving efforts until EMS arrived and took over. EMS transported Christian to the hospital for treatment in life threatening condition.
He was later declared deceased at the hospital, according to Becchina. Police released no additional details.