Suspect in Santa Ana police custody declared brain-dead, prompts investigation

Authorities launched an investigation after a suspect became unresponsive while in the back of a squad car and lapsed into a coma Sunday Dec. 8. He was pronounced brain-dead three days later.

The suspect, whose name and age were not immediately released, was pronounced dead at a hospital Wednesday, Dec. 11, but on life-support in order to preserve his organs for donation, Santa Ana Police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said.

At about 9:40 a.m. Sunday, Santa Ana police were helping Anaheim police arrest a robbery suspect, Bertagna said. Anaheim investigators told Santa Ana police the suspect was possibly near 1500 N. Harbor Blvd., where officers found his car parked at Pueblo Motel, Bertagna said.

Santa Ana police maintained surveillance on the suspect’s car while waiting for Anaheim police to respond, but before Anaheim officers arrived the suspect exited the motel, so Santa Ana officers arrested him, Bertagna said.

While in the back seat of the police car, the suspect became unresponsive. Officers attempted to revive him before paramedics arrived, Bertagna said. The suspect was rushed to an area hospital, where he was revived, but lapsed into a coma and was placed on life-support machines, Bertagna said.

At about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, doctors declared he was brain-dead, but left him on life support so his organs could be harvested, Bertagna said.

The incident was under investigation by the SAPD and the Orange County District Attorneys’ Office.