The Dallas Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into the death of a 70-year-old man who passed away while in police custody earlier today, on June 28, 2023. The incident took place in the vicinity of the 9500 block of CF Hawn Freeway service Road EB.
According to preliminary reports, at approximately 1:28 a.m., a Dallas police officer witnessed a driver involved in a hit-and-run accident with another vehicle in the aforementioned area before fleeing from the scene. The officers quickly responded and pursued the suspect. The officers successfully apprehended the driver, identified as 70-year-old Roy Whittaker, at around 1:29 a.m. in the 9500 block of CF Hawn Freeway service Road WB. Whittaker was taken into custody without incident for misdemeanor warrants issued by the City of Dallas.
However, at approximately 1:49 a.m., during a routine search of Whittaker, he began to feel unwell and requested assistance from the officers. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the officers promptly called for medical assistance from Dallas Fire Rescue (DFR). The on-scene supervisor advised the officers to remove Whittaker's handcuffs to facilitate medical attention.
DFR arrived at the scene at 1:55 a.m., and by 1:59 a.m., Whittaker was placed on a stretcher and transported into an awaiting ambulance. While en route to a local hospital, DFR initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Whittaker and requested additional medical resources from a DFR engine. The ambulance arrived at the hospital at 2:27 a.m., where medical staff continued their efforts to revive Whittaker. Tragically, despite their best efforts, Whittaker succumbed to his condition and was pronounced dead at 2:42 a.m.
In relation to the hit-and-run incident, the driver of the other vehicle involved left the scene without reporting the accident. Dallas Police Department's Special Investigations Unit has assumed responsibility for conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Whittaker's death while in police custody.
