By Elliott Jones
Treasure Coast Newspapers
GIFFORD, Fla. — An autopsy has confirmed that a man who was “tripping” and “acting crazy” outside a home on June 16 died from taking a powerful illegal drug Flakka, according to a sheriff’s report.
Jermaine Benjamin’s death occurred after 3:46 a.m. on June 16 when deputies responded to a 911 disturbance call from someone at a residence in the 4300 block of 35th Avenue, according to an Indian River County Sheriff’s Office report.
After deputies intervened and handcuffed Benjamin in the yard, he went into what deputies described as medical distress. A deputy performed chest compressions. Benjamin was declared dead at 4:24 a.m. at Indian River Medical Center.
According to his autopsy, Flakka caused him to go into an delirium he couldn’t control, leading to death.
“Drug users should be wary of purchasing anything that may be Flakka, as it might be your last purchase,” Sheriff Deryl Loar said. The drug can be smoked, swallowed or injected. Sometimes it is sold under the name Molly.
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©2015 the Treasure Coast Newspapers (Stuart, Fla.)