Sheriff: Man dies of heart attack shortly after SWAT team enters Arkansas home

A 50-year-old man suffered a fatal heart attack Thursday morning shortly after authorities executed a search warrant related to drugs in Faulkner County, according to the sheriff.

He and two other suspects were at the home in the 270 block of Arkansas 365 in Conway when the county’s SWAT team entered about 6 a.m., said Faulkner County Sheriff Matt Rice.

Eight grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and about $4,500 in cash were seized during a search of the residence, the sheriff's office said in a news release.

"After it was conducted, he started complaining about chest pains and our [Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services Special Tactics Advanced Response] Team was able to attend to him," Rice said, adding that the team that provides medical support to law enforcement agencies has assisted Faulkner County authorities for 13 years.

Life-saving efforts at the scene were unsuccessful, and the man was transported by ambulance to Conway Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead by Faulkner County Coroner Patrick Moore, the sheriff's office said.

Investigators later learned that the man had heart complications in the past and had a nitroglycerin tablet in his pocket.

The two other suspects — Joshua Ward, 35, and Rachel Fulwiler, 26, both of Quitman — each face a count of possession of methamphetamine. Fulwiler is also charged with two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

They remained at the Faulkner County jail as of Thursday afternoon. Initial court appearances and bail amounts have not been set, according to the sheriff's office.

Arkansas State Police were notified and will be investigating the death at the request of the Faulkner County sheriff's office, according to authorities.

Read Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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FAULKNER COUNTY JAIL

Joshua Ward, 35, of Quitman

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FAULKNER COUNTY JAIL

Rachel Fulwiler, 26, of Quitman

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