Man Who Died In Alameda Police Custody ID'd

ALAMEDA, CA — Alameda police on Tuesday identified 26-year-old Mario Arenales Gonzalez of Oakland as the man who died Monday morning as officers tried to restrain him.

The events unfolded at 10:45 a.m. in the 800 block of Oak Street, where police said officers had responded to separate reports of a man under the influence and a man involved in a possible theft.

Officers started lifesaving procedures, called firefighters to the scene and Gonzalez was taken to a hospital where he died, police said.

"Preliminary information indicates that after the officers made contact with him, there was a scuffle as officers attempted to place his hands behind his back," the Alameda Police Department said in a statement. "Officers did not use any weapons during the scuffle with Mr. Gonzalez.

The cause of death remains unknown pending an autopsy, according to police. The cause of the medical emergency Gonzalez suffered is also unknown, police.

Investigations have begun by the Alameda County Sheriff's Office and the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, and the city will contract with an outside investigator "to conduct a separate, parallel investigation," police said.

The three officers involved in the case have been placed on administrative leave, police said, and video from their body worn cameras has been turned over to Sheriff's and District Attorney investigators.

"The Alameda Police Department will coordinate releasing BWC video to the public with the investigating agencies, which must interview all involved parties prior to release," the department said, adding that release of the video is anticipated by the end of next week.

"The protection of human life is our primary duty as police officers," interim Police Chief Randy Fenn said. "The loss of Mr. Gonzalez is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones."

Meanwhile, the family of Gonzalez is demanding to know more about his death.

They say he was the father of a 4-year-old child and a loving nurturer and caretaker for his 22-year-old autistic brother Efrain.

They plan to hold a vigil and news conference at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday about the case.

"We need justice because we lost someone who was indispensable to our family," said Mario's mother Edith Arenales in Spanish.

"Mario was a noble and decent man who didn't deserve to have his life ended in this way," she said.

The family said Gonzalez was healthy and had no medical conditions. The family is asking for Gonzalez's body so they can have an independent autopsy conducted and an independent investigation done before burying him.

"We want to know what happened," Mario's youngest brother Gerardo said in a statement. "What I know about my brother Mario is that he was not a violent person. Mario was kind. He helped my mom take care of our brother. He wouldn't hurt anyone. Our family needs answers."

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