Death Investigation Underway After Man Dies While in Protective Custody

A joint investigation is underway after a 51-year-old man died early Friday while in protective custody following an encounter with Bradenton police.

According to the Bradenton Police Department, emergency dispatchers received a 911 call at 3:30 a.m. from Todd Donahue, who reported he was on 1st Street and believed he was being chased. A second call came in shortly afterward from a witness at the Wawa located at 701 1st Street East, who said Donahue was at the store and behaving erratically.

Officers responded and located Donahue at the business. Based on their assessment, police determined he met the criteria for the Florida Baker Act and needed to be taken into protective custody. Although Donahue resisted, he was detained without reported injuries beyond a laceration that required medical evaluation.

Manatee County EMS arrived to transport Donahue to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment and further evaluation. During transport, he became unresponsive. Hospital staff later pronounced him deceased.

Per department policy, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has assumed primary responsibility for investigating the in-custody death. After FDLE completes its review, the Bradenton Police Department will conduct an internal investigation to determine whether responding officers adhered to agency policies and procedures.

Officials have notified Donahue’s next of kin. Further details, including autopsy findings, are pending and will be released when available.