The Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating the events that surrounded the death of an Eagle Butte Man who some alleged was beaten by tribal officers.

Phillip M. High Bear Sr., 33, was arrested on Sept. 15 for being highly intoxicated in public and thrown into what is known as “the drunk tank,” where inmates sleep on cement floors.

Phillip was discovered in his jail cell with shallow breathing and was transported to the Indian Health Service hospital in Eagle Butte. He later died at the hospital.

The funeral director told High Bear’s family to be prepared when they see him because he has a lot of bruising.

High Bear’s mother said witnesses came forward and have told her that when police officers arrested Phillip he was maced repeatedly and drug on his stomach. Another witness told her that several people were hollering at police officers to stop.

Tribal officers deny those claims.

The case is under investigation by both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Internal Affairs. The FBI told Kevin Larsen of KCCR News that they have no comment on this alleged incident at this time.

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