Keys In Custody Death Thought To Be Cocaine Overdose

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KEY LARGO (CBSMiami) - A man who died in the custody of the Monroe Co. Sheriff's Office after he was arrested during a traffic stop had a high level of cocaine in his blood, according to a preliminary report from the Medical Examiner's office.

Clifford Greene, who was taken into custody April 8th in Key Largo, appeared to have a seizure when he was being driven to jail. Deputy Thomas Hill, who was driving the patrol car, immediately stopped and tried to help. Greene was taken to Mariner's Hospital where he died.

Hill reportedly found a cellophane bag in Greene's mouth with a white powdery substance in it thought to be cocaine. The contents were tested at an Florida Department of Law Enforcement lab in Fort Myers.

"All of the information I have is consistent with an accidental overdose of cocaine," said Monroe Co. Sheriff Rick Ramsay. "I have not seen or heard any indication there was a struggle of any kind in the apprehension, arrest, or transport of Mr. Greene. While we will have to wait until the conclusion of the independent FDLE investigation and subsequent review by the State Attorney's Office, it does not appear there was any wrongdoing on the part of the deputies involved."

The FDLE investigation into Greene's death is continuing.