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Man Dies After Erratic Behavior and Arrest
22 Mar
Summary
- Man died after erratic behavior and arrest by deputies.
- An autopsy will determine the exact cause of death.
- Three deputies involved were placed on administrative leave.
A man died after an incident involving El Paso County sheriff's deputies on Friday evening, March 20. The man, identified as 46-year-old Roel Contreras, was reportedly exhibiting erratic behavior, including jumping into yards and screaming, in San Elizario.
Deputies responded to the scene and found Contreras in an open field, appearing incoherent and combative. Restraints were applied with minimal force, and no weapons were used during the arrest. While awaiting paramedics, Contreras became unresponsive. First aid and CPR were initiated by deputies and continued by paramedics, but he was pronounced dead at Del Sol Medical Center.
The cause of death awaits an autopsy by the El Paso County Medical Examiner's Office. As is standard procedure, three separate investigations are underway to examine the in-custody death. The three deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of these investigations.
