Daly City man dies in police custody

The District Attorney’s Office is investigating the incident as an officer-involved critical incident, a process similar to an officer-involved shooting. The identities of the three Daly City officers involved have not yet been released. The unarmed Ragudo was reportedly known by police. His family reported he was “out of control” prior to the incident, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

A toxicology report and information about the 34-year-old’s mental health status is expected to inform the investigation, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Daly City police said the incident began Tuesday around 11:22 p.m. when officers were dispatched to an address on the 900 block of Brunswick Street. When they arrived to the street lined with homes on one side and Lincoln Park on the other, police said they found family members struggling with a subject.

Ragudo, who lived with his parents in the home police were called to, had reportedly been acting irrational. Ragudo’s father and sister were at the home when police were called and his uncle arrived shortly after, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

“On this day he was out of control, he was acting nervous, upset, yelling, screaming at one point,” said District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.

Prior to officers arrival, Ragudo’s family was trying to calm him down. The 34-year-old apparently ran outside and his father pulled him back in the house before authorities were called. He was unarmed, Wagstaffe said.

Officers arrived to intervene and Ragudo allegedly did not adhere to police commands. A struggle ensued, and the man was swinging his arms and kicking while being taken down to the ground. At some point, an officer used a Taser in “drive-stun” mode, which is typically used in close quarters and doesn’t involve deploying the probes, Wagstaffe explained.

The “drive-stun” mode reportedly does not cause temporary neuromuscular incapacitation, and is described as a “pain compliance option” by Taser manufacturers.

It was not yet immediately clear if Ragudo was stunned once or possibly twice, or exactly when an officer used the Taser, Wagstaffe said.

Officers were able to restrain and handcuff Ragudo. Soon after being placed in handcuffs, the officers noticed the Ragudo’s breathing was shallow and he was not responsive. They immediately removed the handcuffs and life-saving measures were taken, according to Wagstaffe. Fire as well as medical personnel were also on scene and transported him to Seton Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead, according to police.

A Daly City police sergeant said the department was referring all questions to the District Attorney’s Office. The three officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave, Wagstaffe said.

An autopsy was scheduled for Thursday and a toxicology screening will be conducted as part of the investigation into cause of death, according to the Coroner’s and District Attorney’s offices.

The family agreed to a search of the premise and items were collected from the scene. The cause of death, toxicology report and Ragudo’s medical history are expected to be critical elements in the investigation. A report is expected in about eight to 10 weeks, Wagstaffe said.

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