Local authorities in Augusta have requested the Arkansas State Police to investigate the death of Quinton Laird, 38, who died this morning at a Searcy hospital.

  Augusta police officers were called to 601 Hough Street sometime after 3 AM when a resident inside the house reported a prowler outside the location and accused Laird later of kicking a door open and going to bed.

  As Laird was removed from the house by police he reportedly began to resist as he was being handcuffed, leading to an officer to apply a chemical agent (pepper spray) to Laird who eventually became unresponsive.

  Officers began life saving measures and called for an ambulance to transport Laird to Searcy where a physican pronounced Laird dead at 4:47 AM.

  The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory has been requested to determine manner and cause of death.

  Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division have been assigned to the case and will present their findings to the Woodruff County Prosecuting Attorney.