Jose Cruz, aged 57, died on February 1, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. His death was the result of an in-custody incident involving the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). On June 15, 2014, Cruz was a resident at a sober living facility in the Sunland area of Los Angeles. On that day, he was observed by fellow residents behaving erratically, screaming, and hitting himself. It was reported that Cruz had been awake for five days and was under the influence of methamphetamine.
The situation escalated when another resident attempted to restrain him, leading to a call to 911.
LAPD Officers Evan Urias and Erika Avila responded to the call. Upon arrival, they found Cruz in a highly agitated state. Despite their efforts to calm him, Cruz continued to exhibit extreme behavior. The officers used physical force to detain him, which included holding him down. During the struggle, Cruz lost consciousness and was later pronounced dead. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office conducted a thorough review of the incident and concluded that the officers' use of force was lawful and that they were not criminally liable for Cruz's death.
The investigation into Cruz's death was extensive, involving multiple reports and analyses by the LAPD's Force Investigation Division. The review included statements from witnesses and the officers involved, as well as medical examinations. The findings indicated that Cruz's death was primarily due to his drug-induced state and the physical exertion during the struggle. The District Attorney's Office determined that the officers acted within the scope of their duties and that their actions were justified given the circumstances.
No arrests or charges were filed against the officers involved in the incident. The case did not result in any further litigation or criminal proceedings. The in-custody death of Jose Cruz highlights the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with individuals under the influence of drugs and experiencing severe psychological distress. The incident underscores the importance of proper training and protocols for handling such situations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
