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Woman Dies After Seizure in NYPD Holding Cell, Police Say

By Aidan Gardiner | October 27, 2014 10:53am
 Jasmine Lawrence, 22, had a seizure in her cell and was taken to Woodhull, where she died, police said.
Jasmine Lawrence, 22, had a seizure in her cell and was taken to Woodhull, where she died, police said.
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BROOKLYN — A Fordham woman who had been arrested for peddling marijuana died after having a seizure in her Brooklyn holding cell at the 79th Precinct's stationhouse Saturday evening, police said.

Jasmine Lawrence, 22, was arrested for selling drugs outside 1350 Bedford Ave., near Dean Street, just before 8 p.m. and was brought back to the stationhouse with three other people who had recently been arrested, NYPD officials said.

About 4 hours later, while Lawrence was alone in her cell, she began having a seizure, police said.

Medical crews arrived within seven minutes and brought her to Woodhull hospital about 45 minutes later, police said. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The city's medical examiner's office will determine her cause of death, officials said.

Police said their investigation is ongoing.

Lawrence was the latest person to die in the NYPD's custody. In July, Eric Garner died on Staten Island when the arresting officer wrapped his arm around Garner's neck, sparking widespread outrage. 

Then on Oct. 8, Dan Levitt died while officers arrested him after a brief chase through Ridgewood.