A tragic in-custody death is under investigation in California after a man collapsed in his jail cell and was later pronounced dead. The incident, which occurred on July 14th, has raised questions about the medical treatment provided to the deceased, 51-year-old Derek Hardin.
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers were conducting a narcotics investigation on the city’s South Side when they encountered Hardin. He was found in possession of a crystalline substance that officers suspected to be methamphetamine. Upon his arrest, Hardin disclosed that he had ingested meth and had a pre-existing medical condition.
Recognizing the potential health risks, officers escorted Hardin to the jail dispensary for a medical examination. Following this initial assessment, he was transported to a hospital for further evaluation. According to LAPD officials, emergency room staff examined Hardin and subsequently cleared him for booking.
Shortly after midnight on July 15th, Hardin was returned to the jail and placed in a single-occupant cell. Less than five minutes later, surveillance footage shows Hardin getting up from his bunk bed and walking towards the toilet. Tragically, he collapses to the floor.
Hours passed before Hardin was discovered unresponsive in his cell. Jail staff immediately initiated CPR, and upon their arrival, Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics took over life-saving measures. Despite their efforts, Hardin was pronounced dead after approximately 45 minutes of resuscitation attempts.
An autopsy later revealed that Hardin’s death was attributed to his pre-existing medical condition. However, a toxicology report is still pending to determine the presence and levels of any substances in his system at the time of death.
The investigation into Hardin’s death is ongoing, and authorities are reviewing all protocols and procedures followed by both law enforcement and medical personnel. This includes a thorough examination of the initial medical assessment at the jail dispensary, the subsequent hospital evaluation, and the decision to clear Hardin for booking.
The investigation will also focus on the circumstances surrounding Hardin’s collapse and the response time of jail staff. The use of force investigation is standard protocol in any in-custody death, ensuring transparency and accountability.
