Dennis Thornton
Dennis Thornton, 43, of Leander, was found on Interstate 35 in San Marcos on August 6, 2024, after callers contacted police about him. Officers used a Taser and restrained him in a full-body wrap, and he was taken to a hospital, where he died about an hour and a half after police found him, according to police and EMS accounts. San Marcos-Hays County EMS Deputy Chief Jim Swisher said the death may have involved excited or hyperactive delirium, based on his account of Thornton's behavior. The San Marcos Police Department, the Texas Rangers and an internal conduct office are investigating, and the department said body camera footage will not be released until after a grand jury review.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined. San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge and EMS Deputy Chief Jim Swisher say he may have had hyperactive delirium, and the death is still under investigation.
Reported by: San Marcos Police Department (Police Chief Stan Standridge) (the agency that held him); San Marcos-Hays County EMS (Deputy Chief Jim Swisher).