Man arrested in drug sting dies in police custody

HOUSTON Houston police say undercover narcotics officers were talking to the suspected drug dealer Thursday night on Calais near the South Loop when he became ill. Paramedics were called and said the suspect was OK.

The officers started questioning him again, but he reportedly pulled out a bag of cocaine and tried to swallow it. Officers managed to get him to spit it out.

"He told them he had not swallowed anything. They called for paramedics again," said HPD spokesman Kese Smith

The suspect became ill again and had to be taken to the hospital where he died. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death. Both internal affairs and homicide are investigating.