Business owner dies while in custody of Warren police

WARREN, Mich. (WXYZ) - A local family is left with lots of questions after their loved one died after being arrested by police.

Investigators say they found 66-year-old Shelby Township resident Tom Sondey passed out in his pick-up truck at the Tech Plaza shopping center in Warren Monday afternoon.

The car was in drive and his foot was on the brake.

Police say they found an open bottle of vodka and a container of orange juice in the car. Both were nearly empty.

Around 3 a.m, while at the lock-up in Warren, police say Sondey started to have medical issues and was taken to a hospital where he passed away. The preliminary findings from the medical examiner, according to police, is that he had advanced heart disease and likely suffered a heart attack.

Sondey is the owner of Kwik Tech, a tool and die business in Sterling Heights. His family told 7 they are hearing conflicting stories of what happened, and are consulting a lawyer.

Police say Sondey blew a .16, twice the legal limit when he was arrested.