Combative drug impaired man dies in hospital after being detained
Originally published as a Fresno Police Department press release –
“On Saturday, May 29, 2021, at 9:44 p.m. officers from the Fresno Police Department responded to the report of a man in the roadway at the intersection of Clovis and Belmont Avenues. The 9-1-1 caller reported a white adult male “was in the middle of the roadway, stumbling, falling over, and trying to avoid cars.”
Prior to the officers arriving, an off-duty Fresno County Sheriff’s deputy in the area observed the subject laying in the roadway and stopped to help. The deputy made the initial contact and detained the man who was later identified as 37-year-old Jesse Collins (WMA, 3/30/84).
Fresno officers arrived on scene a short time later and subsequently determined Mr. Collins appeared to be suffering from drug impairment and was a danger to himself and others. Due to his condition, a hold was placed on Mr. Collins, and EMS was requested to transport him to a medical facility for further evaluation.
While awaiting the arrival of EMS, Mr. Collins became combative, and attempted to run away. He was restrained by officers until EMS arrived a short time later. Mr. Collins was placed on a gurney and then transported to Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC) for treatment arriving at the hospital at about 10:32 p.m.
Unfortunately, Mr. Collins at some point later in the evening suffered medical complications and, despite extensive life-saving efforts by emergency room personnel, Mr. Collins passed away and was pronounced deceased at 1:52 AM.
An autopsy and toxicology report will be performed to determine Mr. Collins’ actual cause of death. A preliminary review of the available body camera footage does not show any issues with regard to the restraint of Mr. Collins, nor any significant use of force which would have contributed to Mr. Collins’ passing. The Fresno Police Department will continue investigating the incident.”
