Investigations launched into man’s death after alleged fight with Santa Ana police

A 35-year-old man died after a fight Friday with Santa Ana police, authorities said, prompting investigations by the Orange County district attorney’s office and others.

Luis Guerrero Amezcua was pronounced dead Saturday morning at Orange County Global Medical Center.

Santa Ana police responded just after 11:45 p.m. Friday to a La Quinta Inn regarding a man reportedly breaking windows and attacking security guards, officials said Saturday in a release.

The man, unidentified in the release, had injuries on his arms and legs and allegedly fought with officers.

“During their efforts to restrain the male, officers used force to place him into custody,” police said.

It was unclear how many officers were involved in the altercation, said Santa Ana Police Sgt. Maria Lopez.

Lopez did not say what force was used on Guerrero Amezcua or what led to the alleged altercation, citing the ongoing investigation.

The officers were equipped with body-worn cameras, but it was unclear whether they were turned on at the time, Lopez said.

“Per our policy, they should be on,” she said.

Guerrero Amezcua was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism and robbery and taken to the medical center for treatment of his injuries.

He was pronounced dead just before 9 a.m.

After the death, the Santa Ana Police Department’s homicide and internal affairs units launched investigations. The Orange County district attorney’s office and Santa Ana city attorney’s office are also investigating.

The district attorney’s office declined to comment Monday.

The cause and manner of Guerrero Amezcua’s death were still under investigation Monday afternoon, said Orange County coroner officials.

No officers had been placed on leave Monday because the cause of death had yet to be determined, Lopez said.