Robbery Suspect's Sudden Death After Arrest Under Investigation

MENIFEE, CA – The death of a 38-year-old robbery suspect who collapsed after being taken into custody in Menifee was under investigation Friday.

Roderick Williams died at a trauma center Sunday, two days after he was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. Ben Ramirez said the reasons for the suspect's demise remain unclear, and Central Homicide Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances.

Williams was initially detained by members of a security detail at a Menifee retail outlet in the 30200 block of Haun Road about noon on Jan. 12, according to Ramirez.

He alleged the suspect walked the aisles of the store and removed "items from their packaging" before he abruptly left without paying for the goods.

Security guards followed him into the parking lot, where they confronted him about the alleged theft, Ramirez said.

"During the contact, a physical altercation ensued," the sergeant said. "Loss prevention staff physically detained Williams and held him until deputies arrived."

Ramirez said the suspect suffered unspecified injuries stemming from the scuffle, and paramedics were summoned to treat him.

Deputies then took the suspect to a hospital for a pre-booking physical examination, but while in the emergency room, "Williams became unresponsive," and life-saving treatment was administered immediately, according to Ramirez.

The suspect was placed in an intensive care unit but died two days later.

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--City News Service/Pixabay image via paulbr75