GIFFORD — Authorities have identified the 41-year-old man who died overnight in Gifford after an apparent drug-related incident.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as Jermaine Benjamin during a press conference this morning.
“Recently we have seen an increase in the number of drug related calls for service,” Sheriff Deryl Loar said. “The potency and quantity of street drugs is often unknown to the user until it is too late. We have had too many young people lose their lives to drugs.”
According to the Sheriff’s Office, authorities responded to the area of the 4300 block of 35th Avenue around 3:44 a.m. after a 9-1-1 call came in about a disturbance. The caller, who was not identified, described Benjamin as “tripping” and “acting crazy.”
The caller told authorities that several people were attempting to hold Benjamin down during “what appeared to be a drug induced incident,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies who arrived on scene performed CPR on Benjamin and had him transported to the Indian River Medical Center, where doctors ultimately pronounced him dead, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office are taking witness statements and documenting the scene.
Anyone with information or tips on drug related incidents in Indian River County are encouraged to contact Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
