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.
Today, July 27, 23-year-old James Bousman died while in San Diego County Sheriff’s Department custody. Every death is a tragedy, and our condolences go to the family and all of those affected by this death. A family liaison officer has been assigned and the family has been notified of Mr. Bousman’s passing.
Details of the Incident
On March 9, 2022, James Bousman was arrested by the Oceanside Police Department and booked into the Vista Detention Facility for a felony warrant pursuant to 3455(a) PC – Post Release Community Supervision Revocation, 69 PC – Obstruct/Resist a Peace Officer with Force and 243(c)(2) PC – Battery Against a Peace Officer Resulting in Injury. Oceanside Police Department later booked Mr. Bousman for additional charges of 245(a)(4) PC – Assault with Force and 594(a)(b)(1) PC – Vandalism. Mr. Bousman was sentenced on the felony warrant and was awaiting further court proceedings on the remaining charges.
On July 26, 2022, just before midnight and 30-minutes after a previous check, deputies conducted a safety check and located Mr. Bousman unresponsive inside his cell. Mr. Bousman was the only occupant of the cell. Deputies provided life saving measures and administered Naloxone until relieved by the Fire Department and Paramedics. Mr. Bousman was transported to a hospital where his condition continued to decline. On July 27, 2022, just after 11:00 a.m. Mr. Bousman was pronounced deceased.
The Homicide Unit responded to investigate the incident. As a matter of practice, the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit investigates all deaths of persons in custody at the time of their passing.
The cause and manner of death are still under investigation. The Medical Examiner’s Office has been notified of the death. An autopsy will soon be scheduled.
The Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board was notified of the death.
