Dayton, Ohio – Authorities in Harrison Township are investigating the death of a 38-year-old man following an encounter with deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office early Friday morning.
According to preliminary information released by the sheriff’s office, the incident began around 7:21 a.m. on May 15, 2026, after deputies were dispatched to the 5100 block of Embassy Place regarding a reported trespassing complaint.
Officials said the caller told dispatchers that a man believed to be the father of her child had been outside her residence for approximately 20 minutes banging on doors.
The caller later informed dispatchers that the man was wearing camouflage clothing and was repeatedly moving between the front and back entrances of the home while continuing to pound on both doors.
Dispatchers also advised responding deputies that the individual reportedly had previous encounters with law enforcement involving failure to comply, narcotics possession, and an earlier Taser deployment.
Deputies Encountered Man Walking In Roadway
After checking the area, deputies located a man matching the description in the 5700 block of North Dixie Drive near the Creekside Townhomes area.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies observed the individual walking in the middle of the roadway.
Authorities said deputies attempted to make contact with him, but he allegedly refused verbal commands and continued walking into oncoming traffic.
Officials stated that due to what deputies described as uncooperative behavior, one deputy deployed a Taser.
A second deputy arrived shortly afterward to assist with taking the man into custody, while emergency medical personnel were requested following the Taser deployment.
According to investigators, while deputies attempted to restrain the individual, he allegedly attempted to destroy evidence by swallowing a bag containing suspected narcotics.
The sheriff’s office said the man continued resisting deputies as they attempted to move him out of the roadway and into a safer location.
Once removed from traffic, officials said the man experienced a medical emergency and became unresponsive.
Deputies immediately began rendering medical aid and informed medics about a possible overdose situation.
Personnel from the Harrison Township Fire Department continued lifesaving measures before transporting the man to a local hospital.
Authorities said he was later pronounced dead at 9:08 a.m.
Officials identified the deceased only as a 38-year-old Black male. His identity has not yet been released as authorities work to notify next of kin through the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office.
Independent Investigation Underway
As part of standard procedure in incidents involving in-custody deaths, the Dayton Police Department has been asked to conduct an independent investigation into the encounter.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office also confirmed that the two deputies involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Officials emphasized that the information released remains preliminary as investigators continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the medical emergency that occurred after deputies attempted to take the man into custody.
