VICTORVILLE – A break-in suspect caught by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies died following a physical altercation, including several tasers being fired in a Tuesday incident. An in-custody death investigation is taking place.
Dante Parker, 36, of Victorville was reported to be breaking into a residence in the 13000 block of Bucknell Court at 4:47 p.m. Parker fled the scene on a bicycle, the victim told the responding law enforcement officer, and the deputy eventually made contact. According to reports, the deputy attempted to detain Parker for the attempted break-in, believing the suspect to be under the influence of an unknown substance. A physical altercation ensued as Parker resisted, according to the deputy’s report.
The deputy, who is not identified, used a taser gun multiple times while trying to place Parker in custody. Additional deputies eventually arrived to help the struggling officer. Eventually, the suspect was brought under control, handcuffed and placed into the backseat of a patrol unit.
Deputies observed Parker sweating profusely, also appeared to be having difficulty breathing. Medical aid was requested at the scene. While Parker was conscious, he was described as incoherent while receiving medical treatment at a nearby Victor Valley Global Hospital. Parker died while in treatment. The Sheriff’s Homicide Detail was brought into the investigation while neighboring Riverside County will conduct the official autopsy. According to San Bernardino County policy, the neighboring county conducts the autopsy in every incident for in-custody deaths.
Homicide Detail detectives Mike Flores and Tina Kirby are conducting the investigation for San Bernardino County. Other than being tasered, along with the struggles with deputies, no other injuries were reported being suffered by Parker.
Read More:
Daily Press: Sheriff’s probe in-custody death
SB Sun: Victorville man dies after skirmish with deputies
