SDPD - In-Custody Death 423 E Street in San Diego 

January 27, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff's Office officials report that on January 25, 2025, at approximately 8:15 p.m., officers from the San Diego Police Department's Central Division responded to a reported incident involving a violent male outside the Star Bar. The individual had been removed by security following a disturbance inside the premises and resorted to biting a security guard on the arm during the altercation.

Upon arrival at 8:18 p.m., a San Diego Police Officer found the security guard and another individual restraining the man on the ground as he continued to struggle. The officer was quickly able to handcuff the man. Despite being handcuffed, the man continued to struggle with the officer. While waiting for other officers to arrive, the first officer requested the San Diego Fire Department (SDFD) come to the scene to evaluate the individual.

An additional officer arrived shortly thereafter, helping to manage the situation by securing the man's legs. The SDFD arrived on the scene by 8:26 p.m., but medics soon discovered the man was unresponsive and without a pulse.  Life saving measures were swiftly initiated, and he was transported to a nearby hospital, where he sadly passed away.

The officers involved have each served over four and a half years with the San Diego Police Department and are currently part of the Central Division's patrol team. No officers sustained injuries during this incident.

In adherence to the Countywide Memorandum of Understanding, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit is leading the investigation into the circumstances of this in-custody death. The investigation is ongoing, with detectives actively collecting evidence, conducting witness interviews, and analyzing the specific events that transpired.

The process for reviewing in-custody deaths is designed to be meticulous, ensuring accountability and transparency. Upon the conclusion of the Homicide Unit's investigation, the case will be reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to evaluate any potential criminal liability of the officers involved. Concurrently, the San Diego Police Department will undertake an administrative review of the incident.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 868-3200.  You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Office