It could still be weeks before a cause of death is determined for a man who died in police custody. State officials are investigating the death of 40-year old Charles Reils. Poplar Bluff police received a call stating Riels was disturbing, disrobing and causing property damage at a local Casey’s General Store. When officers arrives Riels was yelling incoherently in the parking lot. They decided to transport him themselves to the hospital but during transport Riels became erratic. When officers attempted to subdue him he became unresponsive and CPR was performed. An ambulance transported Riels to the hospital and was pronounced dead at 3:40 PM. The initial autopsy report on Friday showed no injury such as blunt force trauma caused his death. Officials are still waiting on the toxicology reports to determine the cause of death. The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the completion of the investigation.
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