EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — The El Paso County Medical Examiner has officially ruled the death of 58-year-old Paul Dominguez as a homicide, citing “positional asphyxia” as the cause, according to the El Paso Times.
According to the Times, citing an autopsy report, Dominguez died while being restrained by El Paso Police, with the manner in which he was held preventing him from breathing.
Although methamphetamine and underlying health issues were noted as contributing factors, the homicide ruling marks a development in the case.
KFOX14/CBS4 has requested the autopsy report for Dominguez and is waiting to hear back.
Dominguez reportedly lost consciousness in the back of a patrol car after a struggle with officers after being taken into custody outside a bar in West El Paso last month.
According to a report, officers responded to a disturbance call on Dec. 28 and found an intoxicated man in the parking lot of Viceno’s Bar at 4907 Crossroads Blvd.
Police said the man resisted arrest but was eventually handcuffed and placed in a patrol unit.
While waiting for fire medical services, officers noticed the man had become unresponsive.
They removed him from the vehicle and began CPR until medics arrived and transported him to Sierra Providence Transmountain, where he was pronounced dead.
The Texas Rangers and Internal Affairs are currently investigating the incident to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his death.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has previously said it has opened an investigation into this incident.
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