PEORIA, Ill. – Illinois State Police are investigating after a robbery suspect died.
Peoria Police responded to Johnson Mini Mart Monday at approximately 8:30 a.m. on a report of a man wielding a gun in the store.
Information at the scene indicated that the male suspect fled on foot.
The suspect, identified as 33-year-old David Smith, was located lying down in a yard in the 300 block of S. Saratoga, where he was evaluated by Advanced Medical Transport paramedics and arrested.
Upon arrival to the Peoria Police Station, Smith was unresponsive and CPR was administered by police staff. Smith was then transported to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in critical condition.
Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said despite aggressive treatment and care, Smith was pronounced deceased on Tuesday at 4:52 p.m.
“The preliminary findings found that he suffered a heart arrhythmia, that was most likely related to a pre-existing heart condition,” Harwood said.
Preliminary findings also indicate that Smith did not suffer any blunt force injuries or trauma.
Harwood said that the family is devastated.
“Like any of us, if this were our family member we would want answers,” Harwood said. “That’s our goal and that’s what I affirmed to them that we would do, to work our best and get some answers.”
