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.
At about 9:13 p.m., on February 18, 2020, deputies from the Vista Sheriff’s Station responded to a call for service at the intersection of South Santa Fe Avenue and Eucalyptus Avenue in the city of Vista. The 9-1-1 caller stated there was an adult male acting strangely and running into traffic. The caller stated the subject appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Another caller indicated the subject was lying on the roadway in the middle of the street. A deputy arrived at about 9:23 p.m. and contacted the male.
When the deputy attempted to help the male, he became combative and a struggle ensued. The male resisted numerous attempts to detain him. During the struggle, the male lost consciousness for a brief time. During that lull, the deputy was able to gain control of the male and get him handcuffed before he regained consciousness. Additional deputies arrived to assist a short time later, and the male attempted to kick the deputies while he was restrained. The deputies involved in the incident were not injured.
Deputies immediately requested paramedics to evaluate the male. Paramedics quickly arrived and prepared to transport the subject to a local hospital. While enroute to the hospital, the male went into medical distress while inside the ambulance and became unresponsive. He was stabilized but his prognosis is uncertain at this time. Detectives from the San Diego Sheriff’s Homicide Unit responded to the scene and are investigating.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330, or after hours at (858) 565-5200. You can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
Prepared by: Michael Blevins, Lieutenant
Sheriff’s Homicide Unit (858) 285-6330
