Man Dies in Tuscaloosa Police Custody After Combative Encounter

Authorities investigating after 33-year-old man became unresponsive during struggle with officers.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A 33-year-old man died early Saturday while in police custody in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Officers responded to a reported crime in progress and encountered the man, who seemed agitated and combative. During the struggle, the man became unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Authorities say the man had reported ingesting drugs prior to the incident and showed no signs of physical trauma.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about police use of force and the handling of individuals experiencing mental health or substance abuse crises. Investigations into in-custody deaths are crucial to ensure transparency and accountability.

The details

According to Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Sgt. Suzanne Spencer, police responded to a reported crime in progress around 3:20 a.m. Saturday at an apartment complex. They encountered the 33-year-old man, who seemed agitated as officers spoke with him and family members on the scene. As police tried to assist him, the man became combative and a struggle ensued. Spencer said the man "seemed to have an altered mental state" during the interaction. He then became unresponsive, and officers immediately began rendering aid until medics arrived. The man was pronounced dead at the hospital.

  • The incident occurred around 3:20 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • The man was pronounced dead at the hospital after the encounter.

The players

Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit

The investigative unit of the Tuscaloosa Police Department that handles cases where someone dies in police custody.

Sgt. Suzanne Spencer

A sergeant with the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit who provided details about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“The male initially reported to on scene officers that he had ingested a drug prior to their arrival. His demeanor on scene seemed to support what he told officers.”

— Sgt. Suzanne Spencer, Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit (al.com)

What’s next

The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit is conducting an investigation into the incident, as is standard procedure when someone dies in police custody.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for improved training and protocols for law enforcement when dealing with individuals experiencing mental health or substance abuse crises. Transparency and accountability will be crucial as the investigation unfolds.