EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Although methamphetamine and underlying health issues were noted as contributing factors, the homicide ruling marks a development in the case. <\/p>\n
KFOX14\/CBS4 has requested the autopsy report for Dominguez and is waiting to hear back. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
According to a report, officers responded to a disturbance call on Dec. 28 and found an intoxicated man in the parking lot of Viceno\u2019s Bar at 4907 Crossroads Blvd.<\/p>\n
Police said the man resisted arrest but was eventually handcuffed and placed in a patrol unit.<\/p>\n
While waiting for fire medical services, officers noticed the man had become unresponsive.<\/p>\n
They removed him from the vehicle and began CPR until medics arrived and transported him to Sierra Providence Transmountain, where he was pronounced dead.<\/p>\n
The Texas Rangers and Internal Affairs are currently investigating the incident to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his death.<\/p>\n
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has previously said it has opened an investigation into this incident.<\/p>\n
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