A man acting erratically while being chased on foot by police for 10 minutes died Friday shortly after being handcuffed by the officers, Chicago police said.
An autopsy was scheduled for Saturday for Reginald Heron, 48, of the 12000 South Parnell Avenue, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Two officers approached Heron just after 7 a.m. Friday because he matched the description of a man who had broken into the Academy of Our Lady Convent at 9535 S. Loomis St., said police spokesman David Banks. A man had smashed a glass door at the academy and screamed that someone was chasing him, he said.
Heron was spotted in the 9900 block of South Vincennes Avenue and fled when two officers from the Morgan Park District approached, Banks said.
While being pursued by officers, Heron attempted to board two buses before picking up a glass bottle and heaving it at a passing car, Banks said.
Four officers apprehended Heron after he stumbled, Banks said.
“He continued to struggle and officers were forced to put four pairs of handcuffs on him to subdue him,” Banks said.
The officers then stood Heron next to a squad car, he said.
“An officer, who had been holding him in place, stepped away when he stopped resisting but [Heron] then slumped to his knees and leaned his head against the squad car,” Banks said.
Heron was pronounced dead at 7:53 a.m. at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, according to the medical examiner’s office.
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csheehan@tribune.com
