A man arrested by officers with the McAllen Police Department died in custody Wednesday after jail personnel learned the suspect may have “ingested a rock of meth.”

Richard Cordova, 55, was arrested after his girlfriend’s health care provider reported that Cordova may be hurting his girlfriend, according to a news release from the McAllen Police Department.

Cordova has 24 previous arrests, the release stated. A search at the scene resulted in the seizure of what is believed to be meth. 

At the jail in McAllen, Cordova became combative with jail personnel and was placed in a padded cell. 

“Jail personnel noted having learned that the suspect may have ingested a ‘rock’ of ‘meth’ and was experiencing irregular breathing,” the release stated.

Cordova was transported to McAllen Medical Center where he died, the release stated. His girlfriend was hospitalized, and her condition is not known, a spokesperson for the McAllen Police Department said.

An autopsy is pending.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was updated to provide details on the condition of Cordova's girlfriend.