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Azusa Police Release Videos Showing Man Enter Unlocked Patrol Car Before His Death

The case now centers on why the out-of-service SUV was left unsecured during a lapse in basic safeguards.

Overview

  • Following Monday's release of surveillance video, police showed Eric Valencia, 37, stepping into the rear of an unlocked, out-of-service patrol SUV shortly after his March 23 release from custody.
  • Tuesday, the department also published bodycam from his March 20 DUI arrest showing a preliminary breath test about twice the legal limit, with no force used during custody.
  • Valencia was found unresponsive in the same vehicle on March 26 when a worker prepared it for a wash, and investigators reported no obvious trauma, with autopsy and toxicology pending.
  • Chief Rocky Wenrick acknowledged the SUV should have been secured, said Valencia had a working phone with no 911 calls placed, and would not say whether the rear doors could open from inside.
  • Concurrent reviews now include the county Medical Examiner, the DA's Justice System Integrity Division, Azusa police criminal and administrative inquiries, and an outside firm examining the security lapse.