Authorities Tuesday identified a man who died after being taken into custody in South Los Angeles by officers who responded to a prowler call.
Jose Chavez, 25, of Los Angeles died at Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center about 2:30 p.m. Sunday, the coroner’s office reported.
Officers went to the 4400 block of Towne Avenue shortly before noon Sunday on a report of a prowler, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Chavez appeared agitated, so officers did not immediately approach him, LAPD Detective Meghan Aguilar told the Los Angeles Times.
A beanbag shotgun and Taser were fired at Chavez, but it was unclear if he was struck by either device, Aguilar said. Officers handcuffed Chavez and called for an ambulance, which took him to the hospital.
LAPD spokesman Josh Rubenstein told The Times that Chavez “had access to items that posed a threat to the public and officers,” but could not say exactly what prompted the officers to use force.
LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said Monday that Chavez was “under the influence of narcotics.”
An autopsy was pending to pinpoint the cause of death and determine whether the use of force to subdue Chavez was a contributing factor.