ICD 2017-002 CID_RedactedLong Beach Police Department
In-Custody Death
Investigated by: M. Evans and R. Gonzales
Supervisor: Sergeant Robert Woods
Presented by: Robert Woods
Critical Incident Debrief
DR #170052322
Any notes taken during the
meeting are for the sole
purpose of this discussion
Note Taking
This is a preliminary
synopsis of an on-going
investigation, based on
preliminary police reports.
The facts presented today
may change as the
investigation progressesPreliminary Briefing
SynopsisDate:
Lighting:
Weather:
August 29, 2017 @ 2046 hours
Night with lighting from the platform lights
Clear
Location:3420 Pacific Pl/Wardlow Blueline platform
Summary:
LBPD Metro officers are assisting fare compliance officers
and during a search of one subject he attempted to pull
away from the officer. Both the officer and the subject fell to
the ground (Platform) and the subjects lower torso extended
off the platform and he was struck by an incoming train.
Officer Martin Ron
Unit: MT23
Vehicle: NA
DID: 6269
Hired: June 2, 2005
Uniform: SS Patrol Uniform
Last qualification: N/A
Rounds discharged: 0
Force used: Physical force
Injuries: Abrasion to right elbow
Involved Officer
Officer Francisco Vasquez
Unit: MT23
Vehicle: NA
DID: 6125
Hired: June 2, 2003
Uniform: SS Patrol Uniform
Last qualification: N/A
Rounds discharged: 0
Force used: None
Injuries: None
Involved Officer
Cesar Antonio Rodriguez
Age: 23
5’5” 156 lbs
Gang Affiliation: Laguna Park Vikings
Moniker: Evil
Status: Deceased
Injuries: Lower extremity traumatic injuries
Rounds discharged: N/A
Force used: Physical force
Charges: 640(C)(1) PC/11377 H&S/148 PC
PRCS Status: None
Decedent
•2042:16-MT23-C6 with subject
•2045:38-MT23A-running a subject
•2046:54-MT23-901N
•2047:47-901K
•2050:08-MTS2 (Sgt Fernandez) is 97
•2050:17-E9 is 97
•2109:03-Subject going to Memorial
Timeline
Map of Incident
Wardlow
N
Map of Incident
View looking South
View looking North
Photos
Photos
Photos
Photos
Officer Ron Position
Officer Vasquez’s position
Officer Vasquez’s View
Photos
Photos
Photos
Photos
Photos
Photos
Distances
•Each car is 98’ long
•There were 3 cars attached for a total of 297’
•Approximately 1000 lbs per foot
•Approximate distance from contact of train to
point of rest on train is 117’
•Approximate distance subject was dragged along
the platform is 16’
•Approximate distance between edge of platform
and exterior of train is 4”
117’ Train Travel
Rodriguez 16’ of travel
Photos
•He was on the platform waiting for the train
•He saw Rodriguez attempt to run away from
the officer causing him to slip and fall off the
platform
•He stated the officer attempted to pull
Rodriguez to safety
Witness
•She had been escorted off a train for failure to
pay
•An officer began searching Rodriguez who
pulled away in an attempt to escape
•She believed Rodriguez attempted to jump off
the platform in order to escape but did not
notice the train
Witness
• said while conducting his duties he contacted Rodriguez and concluded he was in violation of fare evasion.
•Rodriguez told he did not have any valid identification and he then advised Officer Ron.
•When they first exited the train Rodriguez was directed to sit on a bench in the center of the platform.
• said Rodriguez had told him his name was "Anthony Rodriguez." began to write a citation for Rodriguez as Officer Ron began to search him. said Officer Ron had also completed a Field Interview (Fl) card in regards to Rodriguez. used the Fl card information and began to write Rodrlguez a ticket.
Witness Metro Officer
• said, Officer Ron placed Rodriguez in the Standing Modified Search Technique and was searching him. Rodriguez "lunged" in a southeast direction pulling Officer Ron with him, causing both of them to lose their balance and fall to the ground.
• said Rodriguez was trying to "get away" from the officer. Officer Ron was attempting to pull him back by pulling on his torso. Officer Ron called for Officer Vasquez to assist him. told us he did not see how Rodriguez was hit by the train.
• said Rodriguez's actions caused both him and Officer Ron to fall to the ground causing his legs to be in the path of the approaching train. Acevedo said he has seen other Fare Evaders attempt to flee and jump the tracks as trains approach the station. This would stop anyone pursuing Fare Evaders and assist in their escape.
Witness
Photos
Photos
Autopsy
•Blunt force trauma to lower body
•Pelvis obliterated
Tactical Issues
Training Recommendations
Policy Modification Issues
Department Concerns
Media Concerns
Review Projects Issued
Critical Incident Review Recap
Long Beach Police Department
In-Custody Death
Investigated by: M. Evans and R. Gonzales
Supervisor: Sergeant Robert Woods
Presented by: Robert Woods
Critical Incident Debrief
DR #170052322