Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 1/13/06

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Larry Scoufos

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

INVESTIGATION CONCLUDES THAT OFFICERS ACTED APPROPRIATELY DURING INCIDENT WITH SANTA ROSA MAN

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that his office has completed its investigation into the death of Carlos Fernandez while he was in the custody of Santa Rosa police officers on July 16, 2005. The investigation concluded that no act or failure to act on the part of the six involved police officers caused the death of Mr. Fernandez.

Officers responded to a 911 call from the Fernandez home. When they arrived Mr. Fernandez was exhibiting symptoms of being under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant. He became agitated and uncooperative when the officers attempted to further evaluate him.

Mr. Fernandez physically resisted the officers. Non lethal means to control Fernandez, including control holds, use of a taser, and pepper spray, were ineffective. Mr. Fernandez was eventually handcuffed. When his pulse and breathing appeared irregular, the officers initiated CPR efforts. Emergency medical technicians arrived and life saving measures continued. Mr. Fernandez died approximately one hour after being taken to Memorial Hospital.

Forensic pathologist, Kelly A. Arthur, M.D., performed the autopsy. She found a few minor abrasions and bruises on Mr. Fernandez, as well as some coronary blockage and mucous in his airway. None of the injuries or conditions were fatal. Toxicology reports revealed a potentially lethal level of methamphetamine in his system. Dr. Arthur concluded that the cause of death was excited delirium due to methamphetamine intoxication. She further determined that Mr. Fernandez’s cardiac disease, although not profound, may have been a contributing factor in his death.

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department assumed the primary investigative role after Santa Rosa Police Department invoked the county wide Law Enforcement Empoyee-Involved Fatal Incident Protocol.