pexels-pixabay-532001Investigation Underway After Handcuffed Man Died In Custody In The Back of Sacramento Police Department Vehicle 

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA (July 24, 2024) – A 51-year-old man has tragically died while in the custody of the Sacramento Police Department.

Sacramento County officials are saying that the incident took place around 4:30 p.m. on Monday. A man’s relatives called officers and said that he was under the influence of narcotics and could possibly harm himself.

When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered a 51-year-old man holding a knife. The man threw the knife in the street and barricaded himself in a car.

He was then placed in handcuffs and put in the back of a patrol vehicle. At some point, while being in the back of that vehicle, he became unresponsive.

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the man. Despite those efforts, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Liability For Sacramento County In Custody Deaths 

Drug overdoses remain one of the leading causes of in-custody deaths in jails and police custody. According to National Public Radio, “From 2001 to 2018, the number of people who have died of drug or alcohol intoxication in state prisons rose more than 600%, according to an analysis of newly-released data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. In county jails, overdose deaths increased by more than 200%.” There are a number of signs that a suspect may be in the midst of a drug overdose.

  • Breathing problems
  • Abnormal pulse
  • Skin changes
  • Seizures

When police officers assume control of a person’s autonomy by detaining them, certain constitutional standards will apply. Police officers must ensure that suspects have the medical support that they need in order to remain healthy. If police officers are deliberately indifferent to the well-being of suspects, this could form the basis of a civil claim. Police officers should take a number of measures if they believe a suspect is going through a drug overdose.

  • Police officers should call for emergency services.
  • Police officers should administer Narcan.
  • Police officers should administer CPR and first aid.

Overdose deaths in custody are highly preventable. They tend to happen when police officers are not properly trained. Officers may use force on suspects, which can make the situation worse. They may also delay medical care. The family of any person who died in police custody may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A civil rights attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating Sacramento County In Custody Deaths 

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man who died in Sacramento County police custody. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. Had officers taken additional measures sooner, this man may still be alive.

Do you need more information about a Sacramento County in-custody death? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to helping people understand their rights and holding police departments accountable for their unconstitutional actions. 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 (949) 825-5200.

 

 

legal disclaimer
Legal Disclaimer