Family of Terrell Day, 18-year-old who died of heart attack, starts investigation

Three days after Terrell Day died in the back of an ambulance, his family has hired an attorney to conduct an investigation into the circumstances leading to his death.

Day, 18, was arrested Saturday after police said he brandished a handgun at a Burlington Coat Factory loss prevention officer during a shoplifting incident.

He later died of a heart attack in the back of an ambulance — according to the Marion County Coroner's Office — after twice complaining to authorities about having breathing problems.

Nathaniel Lee, an attorney representing Day’s family, said questions remain unanswered. His probe of the event began Tuesday afternoon as he went to area stores in search of surveillance footage of Day’s arrest.

“What the family is seeking are answers,” Lee said. “We’re trying to determine exactly what occurred. The family is seeking justice. If there was a violation of the criminal code, then the family would want accountability.”

Public safety officials said Tuesday that an investigation into Day’s death is ongoing. They also offered condolences to the family.

Around 1 p.m. Saturday, IMPD and Cumberland police officers were called to investigate a report of an armed man in the 10200 block of East Washington Street.

Teen in IMPD custody died of heart attack

When police arrived, Burlington employees identified Day as a shoplifter. They said when an employee confronted him, he pulled a gun and ran from the store.

Day ran as far as a sloped patch of grass behind a Speedway Gas Station at the intersection of 10th Street and Mitthoeffer Road. He surrendered to police when they found him.

An ambulance was called for Day, and the responding EMS crew said that he was OK to be taken into custody.

An assessment by the EMS crew gave no indication of an underlying medical condition, according to a statement released by the Department of Public Safety Monday night. Day also signed a release noting he didn't require additional medical attention.

When the jail wagon arrived, Day again complained of breathing problems, police said. A second ambulance made it to the scene as Day’s condition worsened.

First responders from the second crew tried to save Day's life, but it was too late. He died in the back of the ambulance.

Officials said Day died of natural causes. On Monday, an autopsy revealed his cause of death as an acute myocardial infarction, or a heart attack.

Day's family will decide what to do next after their learn more in their investigation.

“Right now we’re just collecting evidence,” Lee said. “Then we let the evidence dictate what happens next.”

Call Star reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter:@justinlmack.