Man dies in police custody in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz police say a 40-year-old man died in Santa Cruz police custody Saturday.

They responded to a report of a man who fell on the ground near River Street and Water Street. When officers got there, they determined that he was under the influence, so they arrested him and took him to the county jail.

While the man was being processed into the jail, he became semi-conscious and was taken to be examined by medical staff. They decided he would need to be taken to the hospital.

Paramedics took him to Dominican Hospital, but on the way he started having heart trouble and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Police are working with the Santa Cruz County District attorney’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office Forensic Unit and the Coroner’s Office to determine what happened. They will be looking at body cameras, talking to witnesses and processing other evidence.

The identity of the man has not been released. The Coroner’s Office is still looking for family members.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Santa Cruz Police Department at 831-420-5820.