MAN DIES AFTER SWALLOWING SUSPECTED HEROIN

HUNTINGTON -- A Scott Depot man died Friday night after ingesting
what was suspected to be heroin during a traffic stop.

Christopher Lee Ratliff, 32, died at St. Mary's Medical Center Friday
night, after he swallowed the substance while Huntington Police were
in the process of arresting him, according to a release from the
Huntington Police Department.

Investigators with the HPD Drug Unit, Drug Enforcement Administration
and the West Virginia State Police were conducting a drug
investigation in the 3100 block of 5th Avenue when they stopped a
2008 Chevy Trail Blazer occupied by Ratliff. Officers were attempting
to detain him when he ingested a package of suspected heroin and
immediately suffered medical distress.

Cabell County EMS transported him to St. Mary's where he died shortly
afterward, the press release said.

Ratliff's body will be taken to the West Virginia Medical Examiners
Office for an autopsy, which will include toxicology testing.
Meanwhile, police will continue investigating the case.