WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio — The mysterious death of Tim West on Sunday, October 1, while in police custody has ignited fervent discussion and speculation. Initially kept quiet by officials, information about the incident spread rapidly on local social media, forcing the police department to release a public statement by Tuesday.
The Incident:
During a traffic stop on Gregg Street by the Washington Court House Police Department, West, who was a passenger in a vehicle, reportedly exited and fled on foot. Once he reached bushes, he stopped, turned around, and started to emerge from the bushes. That’s when an officer confronted him without saying a word and tased West in the head. Although police assert that the tasing resulted in a “medical episode” that led to West falling face-forward, the exact cause of his death remains unconfirmed. Why police would say a medical episode happened despite the county coroner not stating such has baffled many.
A source close to the investigation disclosed anonymously that after West was tased in the forehead, he fell and was handcuffed by the initial officer on the scene. Approximately two minutes later, backup arrived. That’s when a second officer says it looked like West was not breathing. The two officers rolled the man over, the investigator told the Guardian, and said, “he’s dead!” and immediately un-cuffed him and started administering CPR. West was taken to the local hospital where he was declared deceased.
Investigation Underway:
The Guardian was informed that two puncture marks were found on West, one on the forehead and the other with a missing prong. Awaiting the preliminary autopsy results expected later this week, initial indications hint at blunt force trauma as the probable cause of death. Fayette County Coroner, Dr. Lenora Fitton, will determine the official manner, which could be classified as accidental, homicide, or undetermined. Natural and suicide, which are the other two classifications, would not apply in this case.
Ohio’s Attorney General has taken over the investigation of the incident. While officers on the scene found a pocket knife in West’s possession, it’s been reported he did not brandish it. Controversially, some officers have been overheard referencing him as “armed” in private conversations. The driver of the vehicle, suspected by some to be an undercover operative, has not been confirmed by officials and was released from the scene without questioning.
Public Reaction:
Opinions on the incident are split. Some condemn West’s actions, with comments on social media such as “play stupid games, win stupid prizes.” However, many argue that no matter the circumstances, West did not deserve to die. The reason why West would have ran from police officers was not immediately known. No illegal materials were discovered in his possession during the incident.
Background on West:
West, a recent transplant to Washington Court House from Florida, had no known local criminal record.
Ongoing Developments:
The Guardian has filed a public records request seeking more information, including body and dashcam footage. The initiating officer has been placed on paid administrative leave, though his identity remains undisclosed by the police department. The probable cause that led to the traffic stop was also not released.
West’s remains are currently with the county coroner, and funeral arrangements are in process.