In-Custody Death Investigated

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is investigating the death of a man who passed away several days after he was transported to LA County USC Medical Center by a fire department ambulance.

On April 24, 2006, Errol Kelly, 52, had a medical emergency on an MTA bus near 15th Street and Central Avenue. During the ambulance transport, the semi-conscious Kelly became combative with the paramedics, who requested police assistance.

Officers assigned to Hollenbeck Police Station met the ambulance and helped the paramedics place Kelly on the gurney. The officers handcuffed Kelly and hobbled his legs with a nylon restrainer in an attempt to keep him on the gurney.

As the transportation to the hospital continued, Kelly went into full cardiac arrest, but was revived. Kelly died nine days later on May 3. Administrators at the hospital did not notify the LAPD of Kelly’s death until July 25, 2006.

Force Investigation Division is investigating the circumstances of the officers’ involvement in restraining Kelly. The investigation is in accordance with LAPD protocols regarding persons who die in the custody of the police.

There was no intent to charge Kelly with a crime, but the officers’ intervention constituted a temporary custody.