Ruling on cause of man's death while in police custody awaiting tests

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- It will be weeks before authorities know what caused the death Thursday of a Poplar Bluff man who was in police custody.

An autopsy was performed Friday afternoon on Charles A. Riels, 40, by Dr. Russell Deidiker at Mineral Area Regional Medical Center in Farmington, Mo.

"A preliminary result of [Friday's] autopsy confirmed my initial assessment and exam: He did not die as the result of any injury" such as blunt force trauma, Butler County Coroner Jim Akers said.

An official cause of death, Akers said, is pending toxicology results, which could take six to eight weeks to be returned.

Riels was taken into custody by officers with the Poplar Bluff Police Department at about 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon after allegedly creating a disturbance, disrobing and causing property damage inside the Casey's General Store on South Broadway. Officers reportedly found Riels in the store's parking lot, stripped down to his shorts, yelling incoherently and appearing to be delusional.

Officers reportedly determined Riels needed medical attention and initially attempted to take him to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in their patrol car; however, en route, Riels allegedly began kicking the car's windows and security screen.

After stopping to secure Riels, he allegedly began kicking officers when they opened the door and a struggle ensued. Riels reportedly became unresponsive and officers began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation. An ambulance transported Riels to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:40 p.m.

The investigation into Riels' death is ongoing, Akers said.

"The [Missouri State] Highway Patrol is still assisting me in this investigation," Akers said. "The police department is giving us their full cooperation, and I hope to have a full explanation for the public with the receipt of the toxicology."

The four involved officers reportedly have been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the completion of the investigation.

Pertinent address:

Poplar Bluff, Mo.