The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is trying to piece together the details surrounding the death of a man after an encounter with a school employee.
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On May 21, a Glynn County School Resource Officer was notified of a person in distress on South Port Parkway.
It happened outside Risley Middle School in Brunswick, within 100 yards of the property, and Glynn County police were also called to assist.
In a video sent to our sister station Action News Jax, Isaias Gomez Pena, 38, of Brunswick, is seen on the ground. Shortly after the encounter, he died of what the GBI called a medical emergency.
The GBI said there was an interaction between the SRO and Pena, which led to more police officers responding to assist the SRO.
Pena was the father of five children. Action News Jax spoke off camera with his family members, who told them he lived in the community across the street from the school and was driven home because he was under the influence of alcohol. They said his driver stopped because he desperately needed air and that he had had heart problems in the past. Family members said he got out of the car to catch his breath and then the school resource officer came by.
Pena’s family claimed he was eventually thrown to the ground and tased, and they believe he died of a heart attack. The GBI special agent in charge of the case told Action News Jax there is no evidence a Taser was used. They also said a bystander was left with minor injuries after becoming involved.
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“It’s okay, just calm down,” someone is heard saying.
“We need this hand,” another person said.
“I want to get him some cuffs,” said a school employee, followed by a groaning Pena.
‘Can he go to the hospital? What are you going to do?” a woman is heard saying in the video sent to Action News Jax.
“Right now we’re just trying to get him under control,” a school employee said in the video.
In the video you see someone who appears to be waving at him.
According to family members, he never had any problems. Action News Jax asked about any criminal history and the only report they got back was that a verbal altercation led to him being hit. Glynn County Schools and police told Action News Jax they would have no further comment.
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Pena was taken to Southeast Medical Hospital, where he later died. A GBI Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy.
The GBI is asking anyone who was in this area between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM on the day it happened to call them.
Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling 1-800-597-8477, submitting a tip online or downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. The case will be submitted to the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review once the investigation is complete.
14-0158-34-24 by JJ
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