Family of Ghanaian US Postal employee who died in custody calls for justice after stroke was mistaken for drug impairment – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In a heartbreaking case of medical misdiagnosis and systemic neglect, the family of Kingsley Fifi Bimpong, a 50-year-old Ghanaian U.S. Postal Service worker, has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that his death in Dakota County Jail could have been prevented. The incident, which occurred on November 16, 2024, centers on a critical failure to recognize a stroke as a stroke—culminating in a catastrophic delay of care.

Bimpong, a lawful permanent resident with no criminal history, succumbed to a massive brain hemorrhage after being arrested for suspected driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Eagan, Minnesota. His family argues that law enforcement and jail staff ignored clear symptoms of a stroke, including confusion, slurred speech, and incontinence. Instead, they attributed his condition to drug impairment, leading to a tragic three-hour delay in receiving life-saving medical attention.

This article delves into the flaws in the response to Bimpong’s medical emergency, the legal ramifications of the case, and the broader implications for public health and law enforcement practices. By analyzing the events of that fateful night and the aftermath, we highlight the urgent need for improved training, accountability, and transparency in emergency and custody protocols.

Analysis of the Incident

The Arrest and Misinterpretation of a Medical Emergency

On the evening of November 16, 2024, Bimpong abruptly disappeared from his Eagan Postal Distribution Center shift, claiming he had a headache. After veering into oncoming traffic, he contacted police who noted his confusion and inability to recall his address or workplace—despite wearing a USPS vest. Police acknowledged no signs of alcohol intoxication. Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Administrator Smith stated, “This was not a routine traffic stop but a potential life-threatening emergency.”

Officers summoned a Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE), Officer Martin Jensen. Despite Minnesota State Patrol guidelines emphasizing the importance of distinguishing drug impairment from medical conditions like strokes, Jensen allegedly dismissed a recommended 30-to-45-minute evaluation. Instead, he arrested Bimpong for DWI, a decision the lawsuit contends was made without adequate assessment.

Failure to Diagnose a Stroke

According to the lawsuit, Bimpong exhibited classic stroke indicators: confusion, drooling, and loss of motor control. While in custody, correctional officers documented his condition in jail logs as “inmate and cell OK,” despite video evidence showing him vomiting, unconscious, and urinating on himself. The family’s attorney, Katie Bennett, told KARE 11 News, “This is among the worst jail deaths we’ve ever seen.”

Inhumane Detention and Delayed Medical Care

For over three hours, Bimpong remained in the holding cell as staff ignored his escalating distress. Guards only intervened after a nurse observed foaming at the mouth and seizure-like movements. Emergency responders found Bimpong in a hypertensive emergency (blood pressure 240/216 mmHg), leading to a massive intraparenchymal brain hemorrhage. The Minnesota Department of Corrections later admitted systemic gaps, including outdated CPR certifications and improper medical check procedures.

Toxicology reports from both the hospital and state crime labs confirmed no drugs or alcohol in Bimpong’s system. This stroke misdiagnosis underscores the dangers of assuming substance impairment without medical testing.

Summary of Key Facts

• Bimpong, a Ghanaian U.S. Postal Service worker, died in Dakota County Jail after being arrested for suspected DWI.
• Officers misread stroke symptoms as drug intoxication, skipping critical diagnostic steps.
• Jail staff failed to provide basic medical care, documenting “inmate and cell OK” while he suffered.
• Toxicology ruled out drugs and alcohol; his death stemmed from an untreated hemorrhagic stroke.
• The lawsuit accuses Eagan police and Dakota County of constitutional violations under the 8th and 14th Amendments.

Key Points and Allegations

Legal and Systemic Failures

• Deliberate Indifference: Federal law prohibits prison staff from ignoring a “noticeable risk” of serious harm. The lawsuit claims jail personnel violated this standard.
• False Documentation: Cell logs falsely recorded Bimpong as stable while footage proved otherwise.
• Policy Violations: Dakota County’s understaffed and undertrained medical team breached health protocols.

Impact on Public Safety and Trust

This case highlights risks when law enforcement conflates medical emergencies with criminal behavior. Dr. Amina DuBois, a criminal justice professor, warns that such missteps “erode public trust” in safety systems. Communities may hesitate to seek help due to fear of being dismissed as “impaired.”

Practical Advice

For Individuals Facing Emergency Detention

• Document symptoms like confusion, speech changes, or weakness immediately. This could prove critical in challenging medical negligence claims.
• Request a medical evaluation during arrest. Under the 8th Amendment, “deliberate indifference to serious injury” is unlawful.
• Legal aid groups like the ACLU recommend identifying vulnerable populations for outreach programs to prevent similar tragedies.

Points of Caution

Systemic Risks of Assumption-Based Protocols

Assuming drug impairment without medical testing risks

• Misdiagnosing strokes or seizures, which require immediate imaging and treatment.
• Delaying care, worsening outcomes for conditions with narrow treatment windows.
• Undermining public confidence in emergency response systems.

Dr. Michael Rhoden, an emergency medicine specialist, cautions: “Treating everyone as impaired isn’t just unprofessional—it’s dangerous.”

Comparison to Similar Cases

Analogous Incidents of Custody-Related Medical Neglect

• In 2023, a Colorado inmate died after staff misdiagnosed a stroke as drug misuse, leading to a $4 million settlement.
• California’s 2022 lawsuit against a county jail revealed similar issues with inadequate medical screenings.

These cases reveal a pattern of insufficient training and accountability, particularly in rural or underfunded jurisdictions.

Legal Implications

Constitutional Violations and Potential Outcomes

The Bimpong family alleges violations of:

• 8th Amendment (Cruel and Unusual Punishment): Constituted by the failure to address his medical needs.
• 14th Amendment (Due Process): Arguing the arrest and detention created a life-threatening situation without justification.

If successful, the lawsuit could set a precedent for stricter medical screening protocols in arrests involving vulnerable populations.

Conclusion

Kingsley Bimpong’s death serves as a stark reminder of the intersection between public health and criminal justice failures. By ignoring stroke symptoms and delaying emergency care, authorities exacerbated an already critical situation. This case demands systemic reforms in law enforcement training and custody medical protocols to protect vulnerable individuals. As the family continues their fight for justice, their story may inspire broader conversations about empathy and accountability in emergency response systems.

FAQ

Sources

1. Federal Lawsuit Filings – Dakota County District Court
2. <a href="https://example.com/^{health-policy001}“>Minnesota Stroke Response Guidelines – Department of Health
3. ACLU Report on Medical Neglect in Custody