VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Beach NAACP is weighing in on the death of a man who had a medical episode while in custody at the city's correctional center.
The civil rights organization's statement comes a day after officials confirmed that 34-year-old Rolin Hill died at the hospital, less than a week after his emergency at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center (VBCC).
"We are deeply saddened to hear of the untimely death of Mr. Rolin Hill," President Dr. Eric Majette wrote in a statement Tuesday. "We are further concerned about with the circumstances surrounding his death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hill family during the loss of their son and brother."
Hill was arrested on trespassing, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct charges. Virginia Beach police brought him to the jail around 7:15 p.m. Tuesday and he was subsequently denied bond, leading him to be booked in (VBCC) at around 8:20 p.m.
Due to Hill's allegedly "uncooperative and combative" behavior, Sheriff Holcomb said he needed to be restrained for "his safety and the safety of the arresting officers and jail deputies."
Hill suffered a medical emergency at around 8:45 p.m., prompting "immediate aid" from medical staff and deputies at the jail. He was then brought to Sentara Princess Anne Hospital for further treatment.
The Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office said the 34-year-old was released from their custody and the charges were dismissed on Wednesday — the day after the incident.
According to VSP, Sheriff Holcomb asked the agency to investigate Hill's arrest and booking process. VSP said the investigation is ongoing at this time and that Hill's remains have been taken to the Office of the Medical Examiner for examination and autopsy.
Once VSP's review is done, the Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney's Office will do a final review and adjudication.
"We understand that the Virginia State Police is currently conducting an [investigation] into the death of Mr. Hill," Majette wrote. "While this investigation continues, we will wait to make further statements until the facts and fact finding concludes.”