Police custody death still under investigation

Man had a medical emergency in holding cell

The death of a man while in police custody remains under investigation, with the cause of his death still unknown, Milwaukee Police said Friday.

Queivonta Moffett, 27, died after a medical emergency occurred in a holding cell at the District 2 police station, 245 W. Lincoln Ave., on Dec. 9., according to police.

Milwaukee police released new information about Moffett’s death in a video posted to YouTube as part of its “Community Briefing” series.

The video, presented by Inspector David Feldmeier, includes police body camera video excerpts of Moffett’s arrest and booking.

It shows Moffett pulled over by police for not using a turn signal. That occurred on Dec. 8 around 8 p.m. in the 1600 block of South Chavez Drive.

That traffic stop was made in connection with an ongoing drug investigation, police said.

During the booking at District 2, Moffett had a medical event, Feldmeier said, and officers were concerned that he may have used narcotics. He was taken to Ascension St. Francis Hospital, treated and cleared for return to District 2.

Booking continued, and body camera video shows Moffett acknowledging he took illegal drugs within the past 24 hours.

He says “no” when asked if he’s injured. Also, Moffett on a questionnaire indicated he had no medical issues, Feldmeier said.

Moffett was then placed in a holding cell to await transportation to the Milwaukee County Jail, Feldmeier said.

Moments later, Feldmeier said, police were summoned back to the holding cells by another detainee. Officers found Moffett on the floor and unresponsive, Feldmeier said.

That was around 5:40 a.m. on Dec. 9, according to holding cell video footage.

Moffett received medical attention before being taken to Froedtert Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The cause of death remains unknown, Feldmeier said, and is under investigation by the Milwaukee Area Investigative Team, with the West Allis Police Department serving as the lead agency.

The results of that investigation will be presented to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office for review, Feldmeier said.

MILWAUKEE POLICE VIDEO FOOTAGE Milwaukee police took Queivonta Moffett from a holding cell after he was found unresponsive. He was later declared dead at Froedtert Hospital.