Man dies in Barrington police custody; no word yet on cause

A 28-year-old man has died while in Barrington police custody, authorities said.

Lake County Coroner Richard Keller said he's awaiting toxicology tests before determining the cause of death of Dennis John Russell, whose last known address was in Wonder Lake.

But Keller added that Monday's autopsy did reveal some evidence of heart disease in Russell.

Russell had been picked up by another area police department Saturday night after being arrested on a warrant from Barrington for felony retail theft, Barrington police said, adding he reported no medical problems when taken into custody.

Paramedics were called at about 4:45 p.m. Sunday when Russell was seen vomiting, but authorities said he refused assistance or transport to a hospital.

Acting Police Chief Jerry Libit said checks on prisoners are made every half hour. During the next several checks, Russell appeared to have fully recovered. He changed positions and responded verbally to officers, Libit said.

But during a check around 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Russell did not respond to an officer's call. He was not breathing and had no pulse. Paramedics who responded confirmed he had no vital signs.

An initial check of Russell's last known address revealed it was no longer his residence, Libit said. But contact was later made with his mother, aunt and girlfriend.