This press release is a summary of the facts known at this time, as this incident is actively being investigated. The information contained in this press release is subject to change.  Additional details will be released as they become available.

On Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at 2:04 a.m., a Sacramento Police Department (SPD) officer driving a marked police vehicle was patrolling a parking lot in the 5200 block of Stockton Boulevard.  While checking the parking lot, the officer observed 5 subjects whom were loitering near a dumpster in front of multiple closed businesses.  The officer contacted the group and observed the subjects with open beverage containers, appearing to be consuming alcohol, in violation of Sacramento City Code.

A computer check revealed one of the subjects, a 42-year-old male black, had an outstanding felony no-bail warrant from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).  The officer detained the suspect by handcuffing him and placing him in the backseat of the patrol vehicle while he made a phone call to CDCR to confirm the warrant.  Prior to placing him in the patrol car, narcotics paraphernalia and an unknown bottle of prescription medication were located in his pants pocket.

The officer continued his investigation and noticed that the suspect was sweating and shaking abnormally.  The officer asked the suspect if he needed medical attention and if he had swallowed any drugs, to which he replied, “No.”  The officer continued his investigation, periodically talking to him.  Despite the suspect repeatedly declining medical attention, the officer requested the Sacramento Fire Department to respond and further evaluate his medical condition.

The Sacramento Fire Department arrived and provided medical care.  The suspect was transported to a local hospital.  Shortly after arrival, he was pronounced deceased.   Medical personnel at the hospital located and removed a sandwich size plastic bag from the suspect’s throat.  The plastic bag was sent to the Sacramento County Crime Lab to be analyzed for the presence of narcotics.

Due to the suspect having a medical emergency while in the custody of the Sacramento Police Department, a death in custody investigation was initiated. Homicide Detectives, Internal Affairs, and Crime Scene Investigators responded to the scene.  The Office of Public Safety Accountability is currently monitoring the investigation. This incident falls under the City Council policy on video release.  As a result, the video and audio associated with this incident will be released to the public within 30 days.

The cause of death and identity of the suspect will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office.

The Sacramento Police Department encourages any witnesses with information regarding this incident to contact the dispatch center at (916) 264-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or submit an anonymous tip using the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app.