Investigation underway into death of man after San Pablo casino arrest

SAN PABLO — A man died in law-enforcement custody Saturday after he was arrested at the San Pablo Lytton Casino, authorities said.

The name of the man who died, a 70-year-old El Cerrito resident, was not immediately released. An autopsy will be performed to determine his cause of death.

According to police, officers responded to the casino, which is at 1994 San Pablo Ave., about 10:44 p.m. Saturday for a report of a banned guest who was refusing the leave the property.

Police said that as officers were responding, casino security staff advised dispatchers that the man was physically resisting and they were attempting to handcuff him. When officers got to the casino, they found that security officers had already detained the man and had handcuffed him.

Authorities have not said how many security officers were involved or why the man had been previously banned. The casino said it could not comment.

Police took the man into custody for trespassing and transported him to jail. Authorities did not say if it was the Martinez Detention Facility or the West County Detention Facility.

Authorities said there was no use of force by San Pablo officers to effect the arrest.

Police said that while at the jail the man experienced an unknown medical emergency. Jail personnel and Contra Costa County firefighters immediately rendered him medical aid before he was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

In accordance with Contra Costa County protocol, the San Pablo Police Department is conducting a joint investigation with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

This incident remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department at 510-215-3150.