Body found in east Carson ditch

Police are investigating the suspicious death of a man found face down in a water-filled drainage ditch Saturday morning in east Carson City.

A weed abatement employee discovered the body of Philip Proell, 44, about 9:15 a.m. in the ditch at the Carson City freeway construction site on Russel Way, said Carson City Sheriff's Deputy Thomas Miller.

A receipt found near Proell's body led investigators to Tequila Dan's Mexican Restaurant where they were told of an incident the previous evening when a customer left without paying for his meal.

According to the dispatch log, about 7 p.m. the manager of Tequila Dan's called 911 saying a "very intoxicated" man left the restaurant without paying for his $10 check.

The caller said he followed the man and saw him head toward Foothill Garden Apartments. Police tried to locate the suspect but were unable.

Detective Sgt. Bob White said investigators have determined Proell was that man. Tequila Dan's is about two blocks from where Proell's body was found.

White said there are no signs of trauma to the body.

"We are investigating his activities over the previous 24 hour period to find out what he was doing and what his condition was," Sheriff Kenny Furlong said. "We do have an arrest history on him and the charges are all alcohol related, so it appears he had a very serious drinking problem."

An autopsy is expected to be performed Monday.

Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.