KCPD: Theft suspect dies after swallowing unknown object

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is investigating a death after a man died at a Walmart Thursday night.

Police said two officers working off-duty security attempted to take a man into custody for shoplifting at about 6:30 p.m. The officers escorted the man, later identified as Christopher Christian, 45, to the security office of the Walmart at 85th and N. Boardwalk Ave.

While Christian was seated in the office, the officers saw him swallow an unknown object.

Police attempted to force Christian to spit the object out but he refused before he began having trouble breathing and losing consciousness.

KCPD said officers immediately began rendering aid and called EMS. Christian was taken to the hospital for treatment in life-threatening condition and later died at the hospital.

Detectives are now investigating.

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