Fleeing Suspect Anton Butler Died From Sudden Cardiac Arrest Due To Acute Cocaine Intoxication
On May 1, 2012, Marion County
Sheriff's Deputies observed a suspected drug transaction in the 3100 block of
North Baltimore. Anton Butler, 28 years of age, who had numerous previous
arrests and who was released from prison last October, was the drug dealing
suspect. Unfortunately, Mr. Butler resisted the law enforcement officers and
attempted to flee. In an attempt to subdue the suspect, multiple law
enforcement officers were involved due to his size (6’3”, 240 pounds) and
strength. In addition, it became necessary to utilize electrical stimulation
devices to subdue Mr. Butler. After being subdued, the suspect became
unresponsive and emergency medical responders were summoned. A crowd of
onlookers and stormy weather hampered the life-saving effort. Medical intervention
continued for some time at Methodist Hospital. Thereafter, Mr. Butler was
pronounced dead. The death Coroner’s report has now confirmed that the
cause of death was “Sudden Cardiac Arrest due to Acute Cocaine Intoxication.”
“My sympathy continues to be
extended to the family of Anton Butler, and all the families who lost loved
ones to crime-related deaths this summer,” remarked Sheriff John Layton. “As a
father and a grandfather, I know the value of our young people. Sadly, young
Anton Butler died of cocaine use and his drug dealer has blood on his
hands."
“Unfortunately, Indianapolis
seems to be gripped by a senseless culture of drugs and violence. Like
all the law enforcement officials, Marion County Sheriff' Deputies are fighting
to protect the public. Lawbreakers must be arrested, resistors must be subdued,
justice must prevail, and the violence must end," concluded Sheriff
Layton.
