The following information is fragmentary and has not been completely verified. It is based, in part, on hearsay and is intended for early information use rather than being a formal investigative report.
On February 12, sixty-seven-year-old Gilbert Gonzalo Gil was arrested by California Highway Patrol for 23152(f) VC – DUI Drugs. He was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on February 13, at 12:31 a.m. Gil was released the same day at 9:16 a.m.
On the evening of February 13, Escondido Police Department arrested Gil for 11550(a) HS – Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance. Officers with the Escondido Police Department transported Gil to Palomar Hospital where he was medically cleared to be booked. On February 14, at 2:28 a.m., Gil was booked into the Vista Detention Facility. Gil was placed in a holding cell by himself.
On February 14, at about 6:00 p.m., deputies were performing a safety check when they found Gil unresponsive in the cell. Deputies and medical staff immediately performed lifesaving measures until relieved by fire department personnel. Unfortunately, Gil was pronounced deceased at the facility.
During Gil’s first booking, he was tested by medical staff for COVID-19. During the second booking, medical staff received the results from the prior test and learned he was positive for COVID-19.
The Homicide Unit responded to investigate the death. No evidence of foul play was discovered.
The Citizen’s Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) was notified of the death, and an investigator responded to the facility. This marks the first time a CLERB investigator responded to an active incident after the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding by the Sheriff’s Department and the CLERB.
Gil was a resident of Escondido and his family has been notified of his death. We send our sincerest condolences to Gil’s family and loved ones.
The Medical Examiner’s Office conducted the autopsy of Gil today. Gil tested presumptively positive for methamphetamine. The cause and manner of death are pending laboratory results and further evaluation.
