Transit Service Division In-Custody Death (ICD) NRF013-24dc

March 22, 2023

Transit Service Division In-Custody Death (ICD)

Los Angeles: On March 10, 2024, around 8:30 a.m., Los Angeles Police Department Transit Service Division uniformed officers were conducting a foot beat at the 7th Street and Metro Center station. The officers encountered a subject, later identified as Ronald Shaheen, who was loitering in the area. During a warrant check of Shaheen, officers learned that he had an outstanding felony warrant. Shaheen was placed under arrest and transported to Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Los Angeles for booking.

During the pre-booking process at MDC, Shaheen appeared to be suffering from a medical emergency. A Los Angles Fire Department (LAFD) rescue ambulance responded to MDC and transported Shaheen to a local hospital. He was subsequently admitted and was later absentee booked on the arrest warrant.

On March 13, 2024, Shaheen, while still hospitalized, was cited out for his arrest warrant.

On March 17, 2024, at 4:44 a.m., while still receiving care, Shaheen was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.

On March 20, 2024, representatives from the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner – Coroner contacted Custody Services Division and notified them of Shaheen’s death. The Coroner removed Shaheen’s remains to their Forensic Science Center, where an autopsy is pending.

Notifications to the next of kin were conducted by the Coroner.

Force Investigation Division (FID) investigators responded to MDC and are investigating this incident.