A homeless man died while in the custody of police officers Sunday morning at a park in Fullerton, where he had stayed after closing hours, authorities said.
An officer spotted the man at about 12:31 a.m. Sunday at Lemon Park, 701 S. Lemon St., after closing hours. He appeared to be holding a cardboard box that was smoldering, according to Fullerton Police Department Public Information Officer Kristy Wells.
“The officer contacted the male, who was acting erratic. Additional officers arrived to assist with the investigation,” Wells said. “At one point, the male became uncooperative and began to physically resist. It took several officers to gain control of the male and place him in restraints.”
The man bit one officer on the arm while other officers were attempting to take him into custody, she added. Arriving paramedics tended to the suspect and the injured officer.
“Several minutes later, the arrestee appeared to show signs of a medical emergency,” Wells said. “Fullerton Fire Department paramedics began life saving measures and transported the male to an area hospital.”
The arrestee was later pronounced dead by hospital staff, while the injured officer was treated and released.
Police said the man would be identified at a later date by the Orange County coroner’s office.
The death will be investigated by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, per policy.