The Dallas Police Department is investigating the death of Xzavier Franklin, 39, who died on Wednesday after being taken into custody during a traffic stop by Dallas police officers, according to a press release.
The incident occurred at approximately 11 a.m. on June 21 when officers apprehended Franklin, who was considered a person of interest in an ongoing murder investigation. The news release did not specify where the traffic stop took place or the circumstances of the stop.
Franklin was taken into custody without incident based on outstanding warrants, according to the news release.
He was transported to Dallas Police Headquarters for further questioning related to the ongoing murder probe.
Following the interview, Franklin reported feeling unwell and requested to be taken to the hospital. Dallas Fire-Rescue was immediately contacted at 3:11 p.m. and responded at 3:15 p.m.
Leaving for a nearby hospital at 3:37 p.m., DFR and Franklin arrived there at 4:10 p.m. Despite medical efforts, Franklin died at 9 p.m.
An autopsy was conducted on Friday, and the toxicology report is pending.
DPD has not released any further details surrounding the circumstances of Franklin’s arrest or the ongoing murder investigation.
The Special Investigations Unit is investigating. Also notified about the incident was the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, which will conduct its own investigation into Franklin’s death, and the Office of Community Police Oversight.
Crime, including violence like the murder being investigated by Dallas police, has proliferated in the city, particularly in downtown areas.
Meanwhile, DPD presently has just over 3,100 officers and needs to add another 400-500, according to Mike Mata, president of the Dallas Police Association.
A lack of officers has a direct effect on the amount of violent crime taking place in the city, according to Executive Assistant Chief David Pughes. “There is a direct correlation between the number of officers you have and the ability to control violent crime,” said Pughes, per NBC DFW.
Dallas continues to struggle against a high homicide rate. As of May 1 — allegedly the most recent reliable data made public due to a ransomware attack against the City — the murder rate was up more than 20% compared to the previous year.
Although Downtown Dallas continues to struggle with crime, a dedicated police unit has been created for Deep Ellum. Fort Worth uses such a unit alongside private security guards in its downtown area, and the Houston Police Department maintains a special unit called the Downtown Division.
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