Azusa police investigate death of man found inside unlocked patrol vehicle

A deceased man who was found in the back seat of an out-of-service patrol vehicle parked in front of the Azusa Police Department on Thursday had been released from custody earlier in the week, police said. 

The man had been released from custody earlier in the week and entered the vehicle on his own, according to a community message from Police Chief Rocky Wenrick. Authorities said he did not appear to be signaling for help.

“The vehicle had been left unlocked, and it should have been secured,” Wenrick said. Officers are investigating why the patrol car was not locked, he added.

According to the Azusa Police Department, the man was discovered unresponsive at around 4:50 a.m. on Thursday inside a vehicle that was slated for mandatory maintenance and not in active use by police personnel.

Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics were called to the scene to attempt to help the man, but he was pronounced dead just before 5 a.m.

The patrol vehicle was awaiting maintenance, a routine procedure for the department’s fleet, Wenrick noted. Out-of-service vehicles are often parked for days or weeks while awaiting equipment installation.

Once inside, the vehicle’s doors lock from the outside, preventing anyone from exiting, police said.  

Azusa police said they are working with an outside investigative firm to look deeper into the incident and determine why the vehicle was not locked. 

No further details about the man’s identity or the cause of death have been released.

Authorities said there is security camera footage.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Detective Lieutenant Steve Sears at 626-812-3200.