Weslaco police say a 28-year-old man officers were chasing early Tuesday morning died at a hospital after falling into a ditch.
In a news release, police identified the man as Louie De Los Santos.
Officers encountered the man in the 2400 block of North International Boulevard at about 3:04 a.m. after receiving a 911 call from De Los Santos, who asked police for assistance in an area near Sugarcane Drive and International Boulevard, according to the news release.
When officers met with De Los Santos, police said he displayed signs of being under the influence.
“A preliminary investigation determined the male appeared to be experiencing excited delirium and became non-compliant with officers,” the release said about a medical condition believed to be caused by the use of drugs. “Officers on the scene attempted to communicate with the male and attempted to detain him for his safety and the safety of others, but he refused to comply and began running away.”
The release said he ran behind a shopping plaza and fell into a ditch where he suffered a facial injury.
Police say they rendered first aid and requested an ambulance, which transported De Los Santos to the hospital “where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.”
Per department protocol, Weslaco police requested assistance from the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, which will be the lead investigating agency, according to the release.
Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at (956) 383-8114. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Weslaco Crime Stoppers at (956) 968-TIPS (8477). Tipsters may be eligible for a reward.
