Ohio Officer Dies While Chasing Man on Foot

A Cleveland Heights officer died after collapsing while chasing down a suspect on March 13, according to The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Officer Thomas Patton II, 30, was in pursuit of 21-year-old Malcolm Bryant, who allegedly harassed two female employees at Marc's discount store around 8:15 p.m. and spit in the face of an off-duty officer working security.

Preliminary findings show his cause of death was heart related. Patton had no history of heart trouble and was thought to be in excellent health, according to the report.

The suspect Bryant was taken into custody and will be charged today with assault of a police officer for spitting, obstructing justice, and fleeing.

Prosecutors will decide whether to charge him with Patton's death.

Funeral Arrangements

Visitation for Officer Patton will be held Tuesday, March 16 and Wednesday, March 17 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at St. Colman Church, where Patton was an altar boy.