Tigard police: Man accused of shoplifting dies after being restrained by security

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Washington County officials are investigating the death of a man after he was allegedly restrained by a security worker at a King City store, authorities said.

The case is being referred to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office , Tigard police announced.

On Aug. 9 at 9:54 a.m., there was a report of a disturbance at the Safeway at 15570 SW Pacific Highway. Tigard police and King City police responded. Officers “learned a loss prevention worker had stopped a man who was suspected of shoplifting and was holding him on the ground,” according to Tigard Police.

“Witnesses told officers the man was being held by the neck at some point,” the Tigard Police Department said in a release. “When officers arrived, the man was unconscious.”

The man, identified as 46-year-old Michael Letendre, died a week later on Aug. 16 after being hospitalized, officials said.

Initially, witnesses said the private security worker used CPR and then another employee took over. After the officers arrived, they used CPR and “applied an AED until paramedics arrived to take the man to the hospital”

The loss prevention worker, who contracts through a private security company rather than being a Safeway employee, hasn’t been charged with a crime at this time and his name isn’t being released.

Tigard Police Detectives are leading the investigation and they will consult the Washington County Major Crimes Team, officials said.

“Detectives are continuing to gather information, which is being reviewed by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. The DA’s office will make a determination as to whether a grand jury should be convened to review potential criminal charges in this case,” the release said.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.