Cocaine use ruled cause of El Mirage police custody death

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 06:48 · Archive

Peter Patin Jr., 35, died from cardiac dysrhythmia caused by cocaine use during an incident with El Mirage police on July 4, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled. The death was classified as accidental. Pre-existing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which involves plaque buildup in arterial walls, and chronic drug use were contributing factors.

Police were called to a domestic violence incident near El Mirage and Cactus roads. Patin had become physically aggressive and was throwing objects at family members, including children. Family members told authorities he had used cocaine earlier that day. Officers described him as 'belligerent and noncompliant' when they arrived. They used Tasers to remove him from the house and physical force to handcuff him. Body-camera video showed Patin screaming and babbling as he was restrained, and he said 'I can't breathe' once while sitting on the sidewalk.

The medical examiner's report noted that no officers were applying weight to Patin's body, restraining him in ways that could affect his breathing, or using other restraint methods such as chokeholds, pepper spray or Tasers.

How it is being reported

• Cocaine contributed to man’s death in El Mirage police custody, report findsMedical examiners have determined the cause of death of a man who died while in El Mirage police custody this summer.KOLD · 10 Oct, 06:28
• Cocaine contributed to man’s death in El Mirage police custody, report findsMedical examiners have determined the cause of death of a man who died while in El Mirage police custody this summer.Azfamily · 9 Oct, 19:05

In this story: Peter Patin Jr. · El Mirage · Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office

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