A wanted man died while in the custody of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 9, the department announced.

The man hasn’t been identified as his family needs to be notified.

“Deputies handcuffed the man and were walking him back to a patrol vehicle when he began showing signs of medical distress,” the release states, attributing the information to Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon. “The deputies eventually removed the handcuffs and rendered aid to the man until paramedics arrived to transport him to the hospital.”

Three deputies are on leave following the man’s death, in accordance with department policy, the release notes.

“Work is already underway to confirm what happened in this situation and what caused the man’s death,” Koon is quoted. “In addition to our own internal review, I’ve asked the State Law Enforcement Division to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.

“A deputy encountered the man at a store in Red Bank and knew he had an outstanding arrest warrant for shoplifting,” the sheriff is quoted. “The deputy approached the man and started a conversation; however, the man ran away after being informed about the outstanding warrant.

“It is my understanding the man ran into the woods,” Koon’s quote concludes. “Deputies ran after him and eventually used a Taser to subdue him after he was located and was noncompliant with verbal commands.”

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.