Suspect dies in police custody at Poplar Bluff

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. (AP) -- A man being taken to a southeastern Missouri hospital after causing a disturbance at a convenience store has died in police custody.

Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley told KFVS-TV his officers were called Thursday after the man stripped off most of his clothes and started damaging merchandise.

Whiteley says the 40-year-old man appeared to be delusional. Police were taking him to a hospital when he started kicking and struggling with the officers. He became unresponsive and was later pronounced dead at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

The police chief has asked the Missouri State Highway Patrol to handle the investigation. The suspect's name has not been released.