Michael Patrick Williams

Less-than-lethal force

Michael Patrick Williams fell unconscious during a shoplifting arrest and died 11 days later of what the Jackson county ME's office said were the delayed effects of a heart attack, according to an autopsy report. Williams was arrested at a Cargo Largo store where he allegedly tried to steal a pair of sneakers. According to police, an officer was taking Williams to the police car when he broke free and ran toward a van occupied by his friends. An officer and a civilian then tackled Williams, who began convulsing and became unconscious. After Williams' death, his family said that police had used a Taser on him, but police said that tests and the manufacturer's assessment indicated that no Taser discharge had occurred.