Authorities are investigating after a man was discovered dead inside a parked patrol car outside the Azusa Police Department in Azusa.
Police said the body was found early Thursday morning in the back seat of a vehicle that was not in active service. According to officials, the patrol car had been taken out of use for maintenance and was parked outside the department at the time.
Police Chief Rocky Wenrick stated that the man was not in custody and that officers were unaware he had entered the vehicle. The car had reportedly been left unlocked, which officials acknowledged should not have happened.
The department has launched multiple investigations into the incident, including a review of why the vehicle was unsecured. An external firm has also been brought in to examine the circumstances.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death, while the department’s detective bureau continues a criminal investigation. Authorities said all evidence, including surveillance footage, will be shared with prosecutors.
Family members later identified the man as Eric Valencia during a vigil held near the police station.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing, and further details will be released when available.