EspañolInvestigation Underway After Man Died In Police Custody Following Arrest In Rancho Cucamonga
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA (March 26, 2024) – A SoCal man has tragically died in police custody after being arrested by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in Rancho Cucamonga.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials are saying that the incident took place just after midnight on Tuesday. Deputies got reports about a man who was allegedly attempting to open car doors and apartment doors.
When deputies arrived, they located the suspect who was screaming while sitting inside a bush. The suspect allegedly struck one deputy in the face before he was detained.
At some point while being detained, the male suspect suffered a medical emergency and later died at the hospital. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Rancho Cucamonga In-Custody Deaths
Thousands of people are harmed every year during interactions with law enforcement. According to the Law Enforcement Epidemiology Project, “In the U.S. during a given year, an estimated 1 million civilians experience police threat of or use of force resulting in a conservative estimate of 75,000 non-fatal injuries requiring hospital treatment and 600-1000 deaths.” There are a number of factors that could contribute to an in-custody death.
- Police officers may have placed a suspect in an illegal chokehold.
- Police officers may have caused a suspect to suffer positional asphyxia.
- Police officers may have delayed care for a suspect going through an overdose.
- Police officers may have caused a suspect’s death by their use of tasers or other ‘less-lethal’ devices.
Police officers have a great deal of discretion in how they go about performing their job duties. But at no point are they allowed to use unnecessary or excessive force. According to 42 U.S. Code § 1983, every person who, under the color of law, deprives someone of their rights afforded under the Constitution shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any in-custody death.
- Body camera footage from all officers involved should be reviewed.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be collected.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
A large number of in-custody deaths involve suspects who are in the midst of a medical or mental health crisis. This is why it is so important that officers act quickly and follow their training. Any type of force during these encounters can dramatically increase the odds that a suspect may die. The family of any person who died in police custody may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating Rancho Cucamonga In-Custody Deaths
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man who died in police custody. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about an in-custody death? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
