Sacramento Police launch death-in-custody investigation after man dies in patrol car

(FOX40.COM) — A man is dead after he was arrested and placed into the back of a police car in Del Paso Heights on Monday, according to the Sacramento Police Department.

Around 4:30 p.m., SPD responded to the 3600 block of Jasmine Street after a family requested a welfare check of a male family member that was under the influence of narcotics and may harm themselves.

Upon arrival, police said the 51-year-old man was armed with a knife. He then threw the knife in the street, fled from officers and entered a car parked nearby, according to police.

After talking with the man to de-escalate the situation, officers were able to remove the man from the car and subsequently detain him. He was placed in handcuffs and placed into the rear of a patrol vehicle.

While waiting for personnel from the Sacramento Fire Department to arrive and evaluate the man, he became unresponsive.

Emergency medical aid was conducted by fire personnel and the man was taken to an area hospital where he later died.

As the man died in a patrol vehicle, the Sacramento Police Department has launched a death-in-custody investigation.

The investigation is being carried out by the Sacramento Police Department’s Homicide unit, Internal Affairs Division, and Professional Standards Unit. The Office of Public Safety Accountability and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office are providing oversight by monitoring the investigation.

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