A man was found dead in the backseat of an unlocked, out-of-service Azusa Police Department patrol car parked outside the station early Thursday morning. Eric Valencia, 26, was discovered unresponsive at 4:51 a.m., and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
Valencia had been arrested the previous Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence and child endangerment but was released from custody on Monday. Surveillance footage later revealed he had entered the unlocked patrol car, which was awaiting maintenance and not in active use. The vehicle had been left unlocked, a violation of department protocol, according to police.
An independent investigation is being conducted by an outside firm to determine how the car was left unsecured. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner is also involved in the case, and the incident has been referred to the Justice System Integrity Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Chief of Police Rocky Wenrick acknowledged the lapse in protocol, stating that while out-of-service vehicles are sometimes left unattended, they should have been secured. The cause of Valencia’s death has not been released.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Lieutenant Steve Sears at (626) 812-3200.