Autopsy Reveals Shoplifting Suspect Had Meth In System: Police

ANTIOCH, CA —An autopsy revealed that a suspected shoplifter who stopped breathing during a confrontation with a grocery store employee Wednesday night died from underlying issues of drug use and the excitement of the physical struggle he was involved in, Antioch police said Friday.

A preliminary drug screening showed Michael Hamilton, 34, of Antioch, had methamphetamine in his system when he died, police said.

Hamilton died Wednesday night at the Lucky Supermarket on Contra Loma Boulevard in a physical confrontation in the meat department.

The store employee, a 56-year-old Concord man whose name was not disclosed, told officers he confronted Hamilton when he saw him reach behind the butcher shop area and try to steal meat.

The store employee told police Hamilton then attacked him.

During the ensuing physical altercation, Hamilton stopped breathing.

ConFire paramedics tried saving Hamilton's life but he was declared dead at the scene, according to Antioch police.

The autopsy conducted Friday by the Contra Costa County Coroner's Office also showed there was no trauma to Hamilton's neck, indicating there was no use of a chokehold, carotid or any other pressure applied to Hamilton’s neck, Antioch police said.

The exact amount of meth in Hamilton's system won't be known until a full toxicology report can be completed, police said.

The store employee was treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital the night of the incident, police said.