Cottondale Man Dies After Medical Event During Booking Process At Tuscaloosa County Jail

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Authorities are investigating the death of a 64-year-old Cottondale man who suffered an apparent medical emergency while being booked into the county jail Tuesday.

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Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, said the incident occurred about 11:45 a.m. during the booking process at the Tuscaloosa County Jail.

The deceased man was identified as John Earl Norman, 64, of Cottondale.

He said the man had been encountered earlier in the day by law enforcement, found to have an outstanding warrant and transported to the jail for booking.

During the booking process, Kennedy said the inmate exhibited signs of medical distress and lost consciousness. Jail deputies and on-site medical staff immediately rendered aid, including CPR and defibrillation.

While paramedics responded to the initial call, Kennedy said the man could not be resuscitated.

"The entire incident occurred in the booking area while the inmate was under direct supervision by jail staff, as well as cameras, and is presumed to be an unknown medical issue, " Kennedy said.

Kennedy explained that because the death occurred while the man was in custody, the Violent Crimes Unit and the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences will conduct a death investigation.

He also said the investigation will be handled by officers and supervisors not affiliated with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office, which administers the jail.

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