On November 12, 2023, Sheriff’s Homicide investigators were notified 71-year-old Donald Altmark, an individual in Sheriff’s custody, passed away at Tri-City Hospital around 7:30 p.m. We extend our sympathies to the Altmark family and those affected by his death. A Sheriff’s Family Liaison Officer will support the family as they deal with the loss of a loved one.
Mr. Altmark was booked into custody on August 9, 2023, after being arrested by the San Diego Police Department for 314 PC – Indecent Exposure. On October 26, 2023, he was transferred to Tri-City Hospital after he fell while in Sheriff’s custody. Mr. Altmark was provided medical care and remained at the hospital until the time of his passing.
On November 12, 2023, around 7:15 p.m., a Tri-City CNA entered Mr. Altmark’s room with a Sheriff’s deputy to conduct a vitals check. The CNA found Altmark unresponsive. After lifesaving measures were attempted by hospital staff, Mr. Altmark was declared deceased by the medical staff.
The Medical Examiner’s Office has completed an autopsy of Mr. Altmark. The preliminary results are cause of death was heart attack; the manner of death was accidental.
As is the protocol for all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit will conduct a thorough investigation.
