Abilene Man 'Hyped Up on Something' Dies, Police Investigate

ABILENE, TX - Early this morning, at approximately 3:20 a.m., Abilene Police Communications received several calls regarding a subject, later identified as Jeremy Johnston, 42, of Abilene, in the area of State Highway 351 and Interstate 20. 

Abilene Police said, "The callers reported a white male on foot, blocking traffic and stopping cars. One caller described the subject as 'drunk off his tail,' and other stated he was 'hyped up on something.'"

Abilene Police and Abilene Christian University Police responded. Johnston was located near the intersection of Highway 351 and Overland, and he stopped a passing motorist and climbed onto the hood of a motorist's vehicle.

"The subject appeared intoxicated," said APD officials. "Officers had [Johnston] get off the vehicle, and he was taken into custody. As [Johnston] was being moved into a patrol car, officers noticed that the subject appeared to be in medical distress. Medical personnel, who were on the scene, began evaluating [him]. The subject's medical condition continued to deteriorate, and he was transported to Hendrick Medical Center by ambulance."

However, APD said treatment at the hospital was unsuccessful and Johnston died. Officials said the cause of his medical distress and death is unknown at this time.

"Justice of the Peace Sparky Dean ordered that an autopsy be conducted by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner," said APD. "As is customary in cases of in-custody deaths, several inquiries are underway."

The agencies included in the inquiries are the Taylor County Justice of the Peace, Abilene Police Criminal Investigation Division, Abilene Police Office of Professional Standards and the Texas Rangers.

"Next of kin has been notified," stated the Abilene Police. "Additional information will be released as this death investigation continues."