Death Investigation - Vista Detention Facility 

July 20, 2024 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on Monday, July 15, 2024, around 7:00 p.m., Sheriff's Homicide Investigators were notified Chase Mitchell, a 53-year-old man in custody at the Vista Detention Facility, passed away while being treated at a hospital.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office extends our sympathies to the Mitchell Family and those affected by his passing. A Sheriff's Family Liaison Officer will support the family as they cope with their loss.

On Sunday, July 14, 2024, around 7:30 a.m., while conducting a safety check inside a housing module, deputies noticed Mitchell experiencing medical distress. Deputies immediately notified facility medical staff, who determined he would need treatment at a hospital. Mitchell was successfully transported to the hospital without incident and underwent a medical procedure on the evening of the same day. On July 15, 2024, he began experiencing medical distress while under care at the hospital. Despite all efforts to save him, Mitchell unfortunately passed away.

Mitchell was taken into custody on June 13, 2024, for 245(a)(1) PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon by the Oceanside Police Department in the City of Oceanside. At the time of his arrest, he was believed to be experiencing homelessness. 

The Citizens' Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) representative was notified of this incident. The Medical Examiner's Office will determine the cause and manner of death.

As is the protocol for all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff's Homicide Unit responded and will conduct a thorough investigation.  The autopsy was completed on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. At this time, the cause and manner of death has not been determined by the Medical Examiner's Office.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Department