The Bradenton Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are investigating the in-custody death of a 51-year-old man who became unresponsive while being transported to a hospital early Saturday.

At 3:30 a.m., the city’s emergency communications center received a 911 call from Todd Donahue , who reported he was on First Street and that “the cartel” was chasing him, according to the department. A second call came from a witness at the Wawa at 701 First St. E., who told dispatchers Donahue was at the store and acting erratically .

Officers responded and found Donahue at the business. Police said they determined his behavior met the criteria for the Florida Baker Act, which allows authorities to take a person into protective custody for mental health evaluation. Do

See Full Page