An Augusta drug dealer who tried to swallow a plastic bag of pot before deputies found it two weeks ago has died from his injuries, authorities say.
David Palmer, 60 (pictured), was pronounced dead Monday morning at GRU Hospital, and the GBI is investigating the death.
Palmer was in the back of a patrol car on suspicion of assault Sept. 16 when he tried to swallow bag of marijuana he had hidden from deputies.
“When deputies attempted to remove the plastic bag from Palmer’s mouth, Palmer became combative and attempted to swallow the bag,” sheriff’s Sgt. Allan Rollins said in a press release. “Palmer began choking on the plastic bag and sheriff’s deputies attempted to render aid to Palmer until EMS arrived on the scene. Upon arrival of EMS, the plastic bag was removed and Palmer was transported to GRU for treatment.”
Two days later, GRU staff said Palmer’s condition had deteriorated and he that he was unresponsive and was not expected to survive. He was pronounced dead this morning at 5:05 a.m.
An internal investigation was initiated and the sheriff’s office also requested an independent investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
None of the deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave, Sgt. Rollins said.
According to county records, Palmer is a repeat offender with previous charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (2014), driving with a suspended license (2013), leaving the scene of an accident (2013), habitual violator (2013), marijuana possession (2012), felony obstruction of officers (2003), cocaine possession (2003), cocaine possession (1998) and cocaine possession (1995). Some of those charges resulted in substantial prison time.