A 37-year-old man was found unresponsive inside a police vehicle in front of the Azusa Police Station and was later pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said Friday.
Officers discovered the man at about 4:50 a.m. Thursday in the 700 block of North Alameda Avenue, near Foothill Boulevard. He was seated inside a department vehicle that was awaiting mandatory maintenance, according to media reports.
Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel responded and attempted life-saving measures, but the man was pronounced dead shortly after 5 a.m. He was identified Friday by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner as Eric Valencia, with family confirming his identity.
The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, citing information from the Azusa Police Department, reported that Valencia had been released from custody Monday and entered the unlocked vehicle before he was found Thursday morning. He had been reported missing, though details about the report were limited.
Valencia was a husband and father and had recently celebrated his birthday, relatives told Fox 11. A candlelight vigil was held in his memory Friday night in front of the police station, drawing about 60 people, according to Fox 11.
Valencia was arrested March 20 on suspicion of driving under the influence and child endangerment, Azusa Police Department Capt. Robert Landeros told the newspaper.
He said the department did not know the man had entered the vehicle, but surveillance footage showed him getting into the back seat.
The Azusa Police Department Detective Bureau is handling the investigation, which is expected to be submitted to the Justice System Integrity Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review.
An outside firm is also conducting an administrative investigation into why the vehicle was unlocked.
Authorities said suspects are typically not released from custody until they are sober. If a person has medical issues or is experiencing a mental health crisis, they are taken to a facility.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Detective Steve Sears at 626-812-3200.