A man has died after being tased by officers during a drug investigation in St. Joseph.

Col. Bill Puett with the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office said investigators with the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force were conducting a warrant operation Wednesday afternoon on MacKenzie Dr. Puett said investigators were looking for an individual involved in drug activity and outstanding warrants when a man confronted officers as they approached the house.

“He came out of the house as the officers were approaching the house,” Puett said. “He became combative with officers and tried to attack the officers with a ball bat and fight with them. After he did that he was tased and then arrested and later died at Mosaic after he was transported.”

Puett said authorities are still working to identify the man. An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday.

“Investigators are working to gather information,” Puett said. “We want to get this gentleman identified and make sure family is notified.”

Puett said it’s unknown if the taser contributed to the man’s death.

“That’s part of the investigation,” Puett said. “He continued to fight with the officers when they arrested him and became unresponsive. We’re going to continue to investigate and see what the autopsy reveals.”

Puett said the Missouri State Highway Patrol has been requested by the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the case.