An investigation was underway Sunday into the death in Irwindale of man who became unresponsive when handcuffed by police who collared him for allegedly stealing a flag and flagpole.
The man was taken from the 3800 block of Durbin Street to a hospital, where he died 3:35 p.m. Saturday, said Deputy Crystal Hernandez of the Los Angeles County Sheriff‘s Headquarters Bureau.
His name has not been released.
According to Hernandez, Baldwin Park police responded to a report of a male lying in the sidewalk in the 12600 block of Ramona Boulevard.
“When the officers arrived, they were told that the suspect had stolen a large American flag and flag pole from a gas station and had been swinging it at cars and people in the area,” Hernandez said.
Witnesses directed the officers to the suspect, who was across the street in a bank parking lot in Irwindale, she said.
“When the officers went to contact the suspect, they he still had the flag pole and flag,” Hernandez said. “The suspect attempted to run from the officers and a struggle ensued.
“The officers were able to handcuff the suspect, but once he was handcuffed they noticed he was no longer responsive,” she said.
The officers removed the cuffs and began to render aid while awaiting paramedics before the man was taken to a hospital, she said.
Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau detectives are assisting in the “in-custody related death,” Hernandez said.
— City News Service