Crime & Safety

Man, 47, Collapses and Dies in Woonsocket Police Custody

Police said an investigation into his sudden death is under investigation.

WOONSOCKET, RI—An investigation is underway after a man died in police custody on Monday shortly before he was to be brought to court.

Instead, Dondi Willis, 47, was rushed to Landmark Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, according to Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas F. Oates III.

Willis had been arrested on Sunday and was held before his arraignment. At around 7:45 a.m., he collapsed, police said.

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The state police and attorney general's office are now investigating the death. Officials are awaiting the results of a toxicology report following an autopsy performed by the state medical examiner.

Oates said Willis was not involved an in any altercation with police and had signed out his possession when he collapsed.

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