A police investigation has been launched into the death of a 36-year-old inmate who died after an incident at His Majesty’s Prison on Thursday.

The deceased has been identified as Rashawn Shabazz, who was pronounced dead at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre after being transported there from the prison.

According to the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, the incident began when prison officers attempted to escort Shabazz from his cell for a scheduled medical assessment. Police said he allegedly became aggressive and barricaded himself inside the cell, preventing officers from carrying out the transfer.

The police said prison officers made several attempts to peacefully resolve the situation, but when those efforts proved unsuccessful, assistance was requested from law enforcement.

Investigators said Shabazz reportedly continued to resist and threaten officers, resulting in the use of non-lethal measures to safely remove him from the cell.

He was then taken to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where medical personnel immediately attended to him. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at approximately 11:37 a.m.

Police have not disclosed the cause of death, and said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.

In a statement, the Police Administration extended condolences to Shabazz’s family and assured them that a full inquiry will be conducted into the events leading to his death.