Pubdate: Sat, 12 Jul 2008
Source: Herald-Dispatch, The (Huntington, WV)
Copyright: 2008 The Herald-Dispatch
Contact:  http://www.hdonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1454
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?132 (Heroin Overdose)

MAN DIES AFTER SWALLOWING SUSPECTED HEROIN

HUNTINGTON -- A Scott Depot man died Friday night after ingesting 
what was suspected to be heroin during a traffic stop.

Christopher Lee Ratliff, 32, died at St. Mary's Medical Center Friday 
night, after he swallowed the substance while Huntington Police were 
in the process of arresting him, according to a release from the 
Huntington Police Department.

Investigators with the HPD Drug Unit, Drug Enforcement Administration 
and the West Virginia State Police were conducting a drug 
investigation in the 3100 block of 5th Avenue when they stopped a 
2008 Chevy Trail Blazer occupied by Ratliff. Officers were attempting 
to detain him when he ingested a package of suspected heroin and 
immediately suffered medical distress.

Cabell County EMS transported him to St. Mary's where he died shortly 
afterward, the press release said.

Ratliff's body will be taken to the West Virginia Medical Examiners 
Office for an autopsy, which will include toxicology testing. 
Meanwhile, police will continue investigating the case.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom