Santa Ana Man Died In Custody, Cops Say

SANTA ANA, CA - The reason for a 30 year old man's death is still in question today, according to Santa Ana Police. Now the Orange County District Attorney's office will step in to examine the case.

An autopsy Wednesday on a 30-year-old Santa Ana man who appeared inebriated and became combative with paramedics, then collapsed and died three days later, showed no signs of trauma on the suspect, police said.

Christian Isaac Arias walked into a liquor store in the 1300 block of West First Street on June 10 and approached officers on a break, but then would not answer questions, Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said.

Arias had an open can of beer in his hand and appeared to be drunk, so the officers picked him up after he left the store because they were concerned he was so inebriated he might hurt himself in a traffic accident or fall, Bertagna said.

When paramedics arrived at the behest of police, Arias was "uncooperative," Bertagna said, and he again scuffled with EMTs at the Santa Ana jail, Bertagna said. He said police had intended to book Arias for public drunkenness, but he became unresponsive as paramedics tried to treat him.

Arias was rushed to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead Tuesday, Bertagna said.

The autopsy showed no signs of trauma on Arias, but the cause of death was pending further toxicology tests to see what drugs he may have had in his system, Bertagna said.

The Orange County District Attorney's Office will review what happened, which is routine for in-custody deaths, Bertagna said.