Santa Rosa suspect dies while handcuffed

A 54-year-old man who was being detained by Santa Rosa police officers Wednesday afternoon had a medical emergency and was rushed to the hospital, where he later died, police said.

The incident began at about 3 p.m. when officers responded to a report of a man punching glass doors at an office building near South E Street and Maple Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers witnessed a man break a window. Officers were able to detain him and place him in handcuffs without incident, according to police.

As officers were investigating, the man began to appear as if he was suffering from some kind of medical emergency. Officers then called an ambulance and the man was taken to a hospital, where he died, police said.

Because the man died while he was in police custody, an investigation into his death will be led by the Petaluma Police Department.

The man’s identity has not been released.