(AP) -- State officials are investigating the death of a southeast Missouri man who died after officers stopped their patrol car and attempted to stop him from thrashing around inside.
The Daily American Republic reported that 40-year-old Charles A. Riels of Poplar Bluff died Thursday. He was being taken to a hospital after he caused a disturbance at a convenience store and appeared to be "delusional."
Poplar Bluff police Chief Danny Whiteley says that when Riels began kicking the car, officers stopped to subdue him. But when they opened the door, Riels began kicking at them, and a struggle ensued.
Whiteley says Riels then became unresponsive and officers administered CPR. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Whiteley says authorities suspect "bath salts and/or other illegal substances" may have been involved.
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