SUSPECT'S DEATH Reports: Man admitted taking medication

The police department's internal affairs unit is investigating the arrest.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A city man who died in the hospital a day after being arrested admitted taking about 10 doses of a prescription medication just before being nabbed by police, records show.
According to city reports and Trumbull County Sheriff Department records, Jamil Johnson, 24, of Ferndale Southwest told officials during the booking process at the county jail that he had taken a large amount of Valium just before his arrest.
Sheriff department reports state that Johnson had a white powdery substance around his lips and was making noises like he was going to throw up. The report further notes that Johnson was staggering, lost his balance and fell.
"Johnson did not fall hard," the report notes. "He was assisted and lowered. Then, about a minute or so after that, Johnson appeared to have a possible seizure."
An ambulance was called to the jail. While waiting for the ambulance, Johnson had several more seizures and the jail nurse was called to the booking room, the report states.
"After a seizure, or whatever they were, Johnson would start snoring very loudly. Heavy breathing. Fast asleep. Snoring," the report states.
Died Sunday
Johnson was transported to St. Joseph Health Center and then to St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, where he died Sunday evening, according to Atty. Greg Hicks, city law director.
An autopsy was performed Monday by Portage County officials. Officials at Portage County could not be reached to comment.
Hicks said he is not sure why Mahoning County officials had the body taken to Portage County. Mahoning County officials could not be reached.
According to a city police report filed by the arresting officer, Greg Hoso, Johnson was arrested on charges of failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer and possession of drugs, around 10:30 a.m. Saturday after a short pursuit. The report does not state why police were attempting to stop Johnson.
Hoso could not be reached, and Police Chief John Mandopoulos declined to answer any questions except to say the matter is under investigation by the department's internal affairs unit.
Calling for investigation
Johnson's family members, including his mother Olivia, say they want to know why the father of three young children died.
"I'd like a full investigation but not by Warren Police because I don't want anything from them," said Olivia Johnson. "I can't believe this happened. I'm left without a son and without any answers."
Councilman James Pugh and Tom Conley, director of the Warren-Trumbull Urban League, said they would like federal officials to investigate the matter.
A copy of Hoso's cruiser videotape shows the officer attempting to stop Johnson's vehicle. The officer's lights and sirens were on but Johnson did not stop.
After about 10 minutes, Johnson stopped his car and opened the driver's side door. Hoso's cruiser collided with the door. Seconds later, Johnson can be seen running over the hood of Hoso's cruiser and fleeing. Hoso chased him on foot.
Residents' comments
Johnson was apprehended on Oak Circle. The cruiser video, which was released after a public record's request by The Vindicator, does not show Johnson's arrest.
"He was trying to run through the yards but couldn't get over the fence," said Charles Hutsenpiller of Oak Circle. "He got on the ground and was face down on his stomach. They grabbed him, cuffed him and then the one cop kicked him in the groin. His whole body jumped after that kick."
Another neighbor, Dave Powell, called Pugh and police complaining about property damage.
"They had seven cruisers here, and one cruiser drove right on the lawns," Powell said. "It's a good thing the weather was bad that day and no kids were out playing."
sinkovich@vindy.com