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Lauderhill Man Dies After Jumping In Canal

LAUDERHILL (CBS4) – A Lauderhill man who jumped into a canal in attempt to escape police has died.

According to police spokesperson Constance Stanley they received a call Saturday just before 6 p.m. about someone who may be selling drugs outside the U-Save Store in the 4000 block of NW 19th Street. When officers arrived they began to question 23-year old Winston Gaskins.

Stanley said Gaskins became agitated and at one point officers did use a Taser on him. It was after this, according to Stanley, that Gaskins took off and jumped into a nearby canal.

He swam toward the middle and then stopped. Witnesses said someone from a nearby apartment complex jumped into the canal to save him. Lauderhill officers helped pulled Gaskins out and performed CPR until paramedics arrived.

Gaskins was taken to Florida Medical Center in critical condition. He was pronounced dead just before midnight.

Stanley said Gaskins had an outstanding warrant for cocaine possession, which may be the reason he fled from police.

The exact cause of death is pending the findings of the Medical Examiner's Office.

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