32-Year-Old Man Dies After Pittsburg Police Officers Handcuff Him

PITTSBURG (CBS SF) -- A 32-year-old man who was apprehended at a residence by Pittsburg police following a brief vehicle and foot pursuit died after being handcuffed on Tuesday afternoon, spurring an investigation.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office and the Pittsburg Police Department say they are investigating the events that led up to the man's death.

Pittsburg police Captain Ron Raman released a statement Tuesday night describing the events that allegedly took place leading up to the man's death, but said the deceased man's identity is not being released at this time.

Raman said the incident began shortly after 2:30 p.m. when Pittsburg police attempted to stop a driver on Hillview Drive, but the driver didn't stop. Instead the driver led police officers on a short vehicle pursuit before bailing from the vehicle on foot.

The man then ran through a partially open garage door of a home in the 4200 block of Hillview Drive.

The officers followed the man into the home, where a physical struggle ensued "for several minutes as they attempted to apprehend him," Raman states.

One officer was bit on his hand by the man before additional officers arrived at the home and were able to handcuff the man.

But, according to Raman, moments after the man was placed in handcuffs, he became unresponsive.

The Pittsburg police officers began performing CPR but were able to resuscitate the man. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Raman said it is unknown what, if any, medical condition the man may have had and what caused his death.

Pittsburg police said the man had previously lived in the home on Hillview Drive and that the current residents knew him.

Raman said the man had previously served time in prison and had an "extensive criminal history" which included terrorist threats, assault with a firearm, domestic violence, sales and transportation of illegal drugs. He was also on active probation and had an outstanding no-bail felony warrant for his arrest for drug-related charges.

By Hannah Albarazi - Follow her on Twitter: @hannahalbarazi.