Death of man in Norwich police custody ruled accidental drug overdose. What we know.
NORWICH – A 42-year-old man who died nearly five months ago while in Norwich police custody died of "acute fentanyl intoxication," the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said on Wednesday.
The agency said Brenton Chambers' body also showed signs of recent cocaine use. His death has been ruled accidental.
Chambers, with a last known address of 112 Chestnut St., #1, was arrested by Norwich police on Feb. 3 after officers responded to a request for assistance by the state Office of Adult Probation. Probation officers said they found Chambers in possession of a handgun and a “quantity of heroin/fentanyl which was prepackaged for sale,” according to a Norwich police report.
Chambers, who at the time owned Juiceman’s Cloud City Vape Shop, was charged with criminal possession of a pistol or revolver, unauthorized possession of controlled substances and possession of heroin/cocaine with intent to sell, police said in an arrest information sheet.
Chambers at one point while in custody was transported to The William W. Backus Hospital after complaining of foot pain and later returned to the department’s holding cells. It is not known what medical treatment was administered.
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At approximately 3:39 a.m. on Feb. 4, Chambers could be seen on police cell video footage breathing heavily before starting to shake and moan. For about two minutes, Chambers continues gasping for air until no breathing sounds can be heard on the video. He stops moving at 3:47 a.m., seconds before two officers enter the frame.
Video shows officers transferring Chambers to the floor and sliding him out of the cell. One officer notes Chambers is not breathing, though a faint pulse can be detected. Officers soon after begin chest compressions on Chambers at 3:52 a.m. and switch off providing care until EMS personnel arrive at 3:56 a.m. The video ends with Chambers, only his feet visible, still on the floor.
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Investigation of Brenton Chambers' death is still active
Per state statute, Chamber’s death is being investigated by state police and the state Office of the Inspector General. A spokesman for Inspector General Robert J. Devlin, Jr. on Wednesday said the agency’s investigation is still active and a final report on the circumstances surrounding Chambers' death is expected “soon.”
The report is expected to determine whether police responded appropriately to Chambers' medical emergency.
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Norwich police Chief Patrick Daley on Wednesday morning declined to comment on the autopsy results citing the inspector general’s ongoing investigation.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It has led to tens of thousands of overdose deaths across the country last year.
John Penney can be reached at jpenney@norwichbulletin.com or at (860) 857-6965.
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: State report: Norwich police prisoner died of fentanyl overdose
