Man arrested on drug charges in KC collapses, dies

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A 51-year-old man arrested by Kansas City police on suspicion of drug possession has died after collapsing in jail.

Police officials say Allen Streit swallowed a small plastic bag while he was being placed under arrest on suspicion of drug possession during a traffic stop Monday. Capt. Rich Lockhart said officers asked Streit repeatedly if he wanted to go to a hospital but he refused.

Streit was riding in a car that was stopped because the vehicle's owner had outstanding warrants. Lockhart said Streit stepped out of the car holding a small plastic bag and swallowed it. Police said they found a white crystal-like substance, glass tubes and needles in the car.

On Tuesday morning, police said, Streit began sweating and acting strangely just before he collapsed. He later died at a hospital.

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Information from The Kansas City Star: http://www.kansascity.com