Hollister
– A forensic pathologist ruled that the unarmed man shot by a
sheriff’s deputy died of a delirium-induced heart attack from
potentially lethal levels of cocaine and methamphetamine, while the
bullet wound, Taser shocks and pepper spray contributed to his
death, according to a report released Thurs
day.
Hollister – A forensic pathologist ruled that the unarmed man shot by a sheriff’s deputy died of a delirium-induced heart attack from potentially lethal levels of cocaine and methamphetamine, while the bullet wound, Taser shocks and pepper spray contributed to his death, according to a report released Thursday.
Sgt. Mike Rodrigues shot an aggressive and advancing 29-year-old Guerrero after he refused to follow the directions of deputies June 10 during a confrontation on Highway 156, according to the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office. Guerrero was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Rodrigues had been on paid administrative leave following the shooting but has been back at work for about a week – while not carrying a gun – helping prepare for Hollister Motorcycle Rally security, Sheriff Curtis Hill said.
“I’ve got him on a limited duty,” Hill said about the 25-year veteran.
A toxicology report included with the Monterey County forensic pathologist’s report showed that Guerrero had “potentially toxic” levels of methamphetamine in his system. Guerrero also had near “potentially toxic” levels of cocaine in his body, according to the report.
During medical treatment at the scene, Guerrero suffered a sudden heart attack and resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, the medical report said.
The forensic pathologist, Dr. John Hain, noted there was an entrance gunshot wound on Guerrero’s upper left arm. The bullet exited through the arm and re-entered the left side of Guerrero’s chest, the report said.
An incident report released last week by the sheriff’s office stated Guerrero suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
The bullet fractured two of Guerrero’s ribs, according to the medical report. Hain noted he found 100 cubic centimeters of blood in the left part of Guerrero’s chest.
Hain noted the bullet wound caused “respiratory compromise” to Guerrero’s system.
The sheriff said delirium as a cause of death is common when potentially toxic levels of cocaine and methamphetamine are ingested.
The sheriff has said Rodrigues followed the office’s policy in shooting Guerrero.
Hill will await District Attorney Candice Hooper’s decision as to whether the shooting was justified, he said.
Hooper had yet to make a decision when reached by cell phone Thursday.
“I’m still waiting for all my reports to come in,” said Hooper, while at a conference she attended this week in Napa County.
A week ago, Hill stated that Rodrigues had violated sheriff’s office policy by having his 11-year-old daughter in the patrol car at the time of the confrontation.
As for reprimands, Hill said any possible penalties would not be made public because of California peace officer privacy laws.
