Probe Launched as Houston Man Dies After Jail Rejection

The Houston Police Department is currently investigating the death of Anthony Simmons, 32, whose body was found at 1401 St. Joseph Parkway around 11:20 p.m. on Thursday, February 21st.

According to authorities, Simmons had been arrested by Baytown Police Department officers on Tuesday, February 20th, for theft. He was then transported to the Harris County Joint Processing Center (JPC) to be booked on the misdemeanor charge. However, upon arrival at the JPC, Simmons was rejected by jail personnel and taken to Ben Taub General Hospital for medical clearance around 10 a.m.

Following his release from the hospital at approximately 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday, February 21st, Simmons was transported back to the JPC for processing. Later that same day, around 9:45 p.m., he requested withdrawal medication from Harris County Jail personnel. Shortly after, at approximately 9:50 p.m., Simmons experienced an apparent seizure. Jail medical staff provided immediate aid, and Houston Fire Department personnel were called to the scene. Simmons was then transported to St. Joseph Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 11:20 p.m.

The cause and manner of Simmons’ death are pending an autopsy by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. The Houston Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit is handling the case, as is customary in incidents involving in-custody deaths within the city limits.

Authorities are awaiting the autopsy results to determine further actions in the investigation.