OKC Man Who Died After Struggle With Police Had Criminal Record

Deanne Stein, News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY – Six Oklahoma City police officers are put on paid administrative leave after a suspect dies while police try to take him into custody.

Police said 34-year-old Gerald E. Hall was involved in a disturbance and possibly trying to set fires near N.W. 105th Street and Western Monday night.

"As officers tried to take Hall into custody, he became combative and fought with them," said Sgt. Jennifer Wardlow of the Oklahoma City Police Department. "At some point, Hall became unresponsive."

Police said paramedics were already on scene, and began to administer aid. Hall was transported to Baptist Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The State Medical Examiner's office will determine his cause of death.

Police released the names of the officers involved. They are on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation.

Officers Involved:

Lt. Arthur Gregory (13 years of service)

Sgt. Kelly Corcoran (12 years of service)

Sgt. Daniel Putnam (12 years of service)

Sgt. Nicklas Wald (7 years of service)

Sgt. Ryan Schweitzer (7 years of service)

Sgt. Mark Nelson (10 years of service)

According to court records, Hall was a convicted criminal. In October of 2002, he was convicted of assault and battery on a police officer and possession of controlled dangerous substances. Hall served three year in jail and was released in 2006. Hall was to be on probation through 2014.

9/26/2011 Related Story: Suspect Who Tried To Set Fires In OKC Dies