FISHERSVILLE, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office responded to multiple calls about a Staunton individual which led to him being unresponsive in-custody.

Sheriff Donald Smith said that at approximately 3:37 a.m. on Monday, May 5, deputies from the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office responded to Sheetz in Fishersville for a report of a male refusing to leave the property. Upon arrival, deputies identified the individual as 39-year-old Stefan R. Gerencser, of Staunton. After speaking with deputies, Gerencser agreed to leave the premises without incident.

However, at approximately 4:33 a.m., Gerencser placed a 911 call requesting medical assistance. Emergency services, including Fire and Rescue personnel and deputies, responded to the scene. Mr. Gerencser declined medical treatment at that time and refused to be transported to the hospital by rescue personnel. He subsequently agreed to be transported to Augusta Health by deputies; however, upon arrival, he refused to remain at the hospital for treatment.

Sheriff Smith went on to say that at 5:18 a.m., Gerencser was arrested for public intoxication. During the arrest, he initially refused to enter the Sheriff’s Office vehicle and assaulted a deputy. A brief struggle ensued before the deputy and Augusta Health Security were able to secure him in the vehicle.

At 5:45 a.m., the deputy arrived at Middle River Regional Jail. When the deputy attempted to remove Gerencser from the vehicle, he discovered he was unresponsive and not breathing. Jail staff immediately initiated life-saving measures, but despite their efforts, they were unsuccessful.

Sheriff Smith says this incident has been turned over to the Virginia State Police to be investigated and no further details will be released.