By Tiffany Flournoy
MINDEN, La. — The Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 23-year-old Homer man who was found unresponsive in a holding cell at the Minden Police Department early Tuesday morning and later pronounced dead.
Minden Police Chief Jared McIver identified the man as Demonta Reshawn Tate and called the incident “a tragedy.”
“Our prayers are with his family, his friends, and the entire community during this difficult time,” McIver said.
Authorities said Tate was being held at the Minden Police Department on outstanding Claiborne Parish warrants after being detained following a routine traffic stop shortly after midnight in Minden.
According to McIver, Minden police officers stopped Tate after he allegedly ran a stop sign. During the traffic stop, officers learned he had outstanding warrants from Claiborne Parish and contacted authorities there.
“We contacted Claiborne, and they asked us to hold him,” McIver said.
McIver said that, prior to Tate’s death, the original plan had been for Claiborne Parish authorities to pick up Tate later Tuesday morning to take him into their custody.
McIver said Tate was cooperative throughout the arrest and booking process and did not display any obvious signs of emotional distress or anxiety.
Authorities said Tate was placed in a holding cell, where he allegedly used a standard-issue blanket provided by the department to detainees to take his own life.
The holding cells at Minden Police headquarters are monitored by surveillance cameras observed from the dispatch desk. According to McIver, a dispatcher noticed Tate standing near his cot but became concerned when he remained motionless for an extended period and alerted an officer to check on him.
When the officer entered the cell, Tate was found unresponsive. Lifesaving measures were attempted but were unsuccessful.
McIver said the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office was immediately contacted to conduct an independent investigation into the death.
Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said detectives responded to the scene within minutes and have begun reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“At this point, the evidence suggests Mr. Tate took his own life,” Parker said. “We will continue to investigate this thoroughly and hopefully find some answers as to why he would decide to end his life like this.”
The Webster Parish Coroner’s Office was also notified and is assisting in the investigation. Officials have not released additional details as the investigation remains ongoing.