Arlington man’s Dallas County Jail death ruled homicide

The death of an Arlington man in a Dallas County jail lobby after being handcuffed has been ruled a homicide, with contributing factors including drugs and stress to his body associated with the struggle and being restrained.

The Dallas County medical examiner’s office said Monday the death of 48-year-old Joseph Hutcheson, identified by WFAA-TV as an Arlington handyman, was caused by the combined toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine, compounded by heart problems due to high blood pressure and the stress associated with struggle and restraint.

Surveillance video from the lobby shows the man acting erratically before being subdued by deputies and losing consciousness Aug. 1.

Deputies had said they restrained Hutcheson because he posed a threat to himself and others. The sheriff’s office didn’t immediately return a call for comment Monday.

The family has scheduled a 4 p.m. news conference in Dallas to discuss the case. Friends and relatives have participated in several small protests to express frustration with Dallas Sheriff Lupe Valdez.

This story was originally published August 31, 2015 at 12:19 PM with the headline "Arlington man’s Dallas County Jail death ruled homicide."