Video: West Point Police Investigating Death

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PRESS RELEASE

West Point, MS, Around 10:00pm police were dispatched to the 500 block of Griffin Street in reference to a man attempting to break into an occupied dwelling. E911 reported to officers that the man had a gun. Upon arrival officers discovered a man, later identified as 34 year old Silvio Prater, outside of the residence and immediately detained him for questioning.

Officers were initially told by Mr. Prater that he lived in the neighborhood and was being chased by someone. He implied that shots had been fired but he was not hit. However, the residents of the home reported no shots being fired and did not report seeing anyone other than Mr. Prater. Shortly after being detained by officers, Mr. Prater complained to officers that he was having difficulty breathing and an ambulance was called.

Once emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene Mr. Prater collapsed and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. He was later pronounced dead. The body has been sent to the Medical Examiner’s officer in Jackson for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

According to Chief Tim Brinkley, “There were no wounds to this man consistent with a life threatening injury. Because no force was used to detain him we are baffled and anxious to find out what caused his death.” A preliminary investigation has revealed that Mr. Prater moved to the community a short time ago from Killeen, Tx. and lived just a few houses away with his fiancé.

His fiancé reported to police that he left the house on foot just a few minutes earlier and didn’t know of his illness until officers walked to the home to question her. This cases is still under investigation and anyone with information about these are any unrelated crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers or the West Point Police Department at (662) 494-1244.