KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Police are investigating whether drugs played a role in the death of a 38-year-old man who died Monday during an altercation with a Wal-Mart security officer.
Authorities say Russell S. Palmer tired to shoplift from the store, 8301 N. Church, and was confronted by security shortly after 8 p.m. Monday.
Kansas City Police Capt. Rich Lockhart said a scuffle ensued and Palmer reportedly went limp.
Several officers tried to revive him, but could not help him, Lockhart said.
He was transported to an area hospital where he later died.
Witnesses tell police the altercation was not overtly violent and no charges are expected to be filed against the security officer.
Authorities say it will probably be weeks until the toxicology report comes back and officials can determine an exact cause of death.
