On Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at approximately 2:22 p.m., Fremont Police patrol officers were dispatched to ascertain the problem at an apartment complex located on the 39800 block of Fremont Blvd. The caller told dispatchers there was a male lying on the ground, having difficulty breathing. Officers responded to the call as an emergency and the Fremont Fire Department was immediately dispatched to assist.
Officers were on-scene within two minutes of being dispatched and contacted the male. When Fremont Fire Paramedics arrived they conducted a medical evaluation and had the male immediately transported to a local hospital. While in the ambulance, his medical condition continued to deteriorate. Once at the hospital the male passed away.
Our preliminary investigation has revealed the male, whose name is being withheld pending notification of family, entered a section of the apartment complex which was covered in a tent undergoing active pest fumigation to possibly commit a burglary. Investigators located “Do Not Enter” signs posted on the tent structure announcing the chemical Sulfuryl Fluoride/Chloropicrin was being used to fumigate. Detectives believe the male suspect was inside for several minutes and upon leaving, began to experience a medical emergency. He was detained without incident and placed in a patrol vehicle, prior to being evaluated and transported to the hospital. The male was compliant and no force was used during the investigation. Several officers were seen by medical personnel for possible exposure.
The Alameda County Coroner’s Office is conducting the investigation to determine the official cause of death and to identify the male. Per protocol, detectives from the Fremont Police Department are investigating the death in cooperation with representatives from the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
Press/Media: Please contact Fremont Police Public Affairs Manager Geneva Bosques at 510-790-6957 or [email protected].
