Azusa Police Look into the Death of Man Found in Unlocked Patrol Car
Investigation Underway After Man Found Deceased in Unlocked Police Vehicle
Azusa, CA – A man was discovered deceased in the back seat of an out-of-service patrol vehicle parked outside the Azusa Police Department on Thursday. Police reports indicate that the man was released from custody earlier in the week and had entered the vehicle voluntarily. Authorities noted that he did not appear to be signaling for help.
“The vehicle had been left unlocked, and it should have been secured,” said Police Chief Rocky Wenrick. Investigators are currently looking into why the patrol car was not locked.
The incident occurred around 4:50 a.m. when emergency responders were called to the scene. Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics attempted to assist the man, but he was pronounced dead just before 5 a.m. The vehicle was designated for mandatory maintenance and was not actively used by police personnel, according to the Azusa Police Department.
Wenrick explained that out-of-service vehicles often sit idle for days or weeks while awaiting routine equipment installation. Notably, the doors of the vehicle lock from the outside, preventing anyone from exiting once inside.
The Azusa Police Department is collaborating with an outside investigative firm to probe deeper into the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ascertain the reasons for the vehicle’s unsecured status.
Currently, there is no information available regarding the man’s identity or the cause of death. Authorities have confirmed that there is security camera footage related to the case.
Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to Detective Lieutenant Steve Sears at 626-812-3200.
