SHERIFF'S OFFICE NAMED IN WRONGFUL DEATH SUIT

Harris County sheriff's deputies contributed to the death of a Houston man
by ignoring his pleas for medical attention after he swallowed cocaine,
according to a lawsuit filed this week.

The state district court lawsuit seeks unspecified damages from the Harris
County Sheriff's Department and two deputies for the alleged wrongful death
of Royce Lee Charles, 23, on Jan. 12, 1998.

According to the lawsuit, Charles was arrested along with another man for
suspected cocaine possession, and placed handcuffed in a patrol car.

Shortly after his arrest, he allegedly told deputies he had swallowed
cocaine to try to hide evidence. He said he felt ill, and repeatedly asked
for medical care, the lawsuit said.

By the time the car arrived at the precinct office, Charles had a heart
attack, the lawsuit said.

The suit named one deputy, Richard Roe, and listed the other as "John Doe."

The Sheriff's Department declined to comment because it had not yet been
served with the lawsuit.