Man dies while in custody, following struggle with, arrest by Antioch Police, early Friday; DA to investigate
By Acting Lieutenant Tom Fuhrmann, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
On Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at approximately 8:20 PM a 37-year-old male walked out of an area hospital against doctor’s orders after being admitted the day before. The hospital notified the Antioch Police Department. Officers responded and searched for the subject who was wanted on a parolee at large warrant and has a long history of violent crimes and drug offenses. The male was not located at that time.
On Friday, February 05, 2016 at approximately 3:12 AM an officer checking an occupied vehicle at the east end of E. 6th Street at McElheny Road found the parolee and a friend sleeping in the vehicle. While attempting to take the parolee into custody he fought violently with officers. Once the officers were able to restrain him, an ambulance was summoned to the scene to treat him for injuries sustained during the fight with officers. As the ambulance arrived the subject began having some sort of medical distress and life saving measures were taken. The 37-year-old male was transported to an area hospital and later pronounced deceased.
The friend in the vehicle did not get involved in the confrontation and is cooperating with the police. The involved officers sustained only minor injuries.
Because this is considered an in custody death, the county protocol was invoked. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, the Contra Costa County Crime Lab and the Antioch Police Department will be conducting an investigation into the facts surrounding this incident. No further information will be released at this time regarding the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Detective Vanderpool with the Antioch Police Department at (925) 779-6988. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.
