SANTA ANA : Burglary Suspect Dies in Hospital
A suspected burglar who was arrested with the help of a police dog died Thursday while being treated at a hospital, police said.
Freddie Martinez Taffola, 36, of Santa Ana died of “unknown causes” about 3:30 a.m. at Western Medical Center-Santa Ana, Police Lt. Robert Helton said.
A preliminary autopsy revealed that Taffola, who was “extremely violent” when police encountered him, tested positive for drugs.
The autopsy also revealed no injuries that could have caused his death, Helton said.
Taffola was arrested by police after they received several reports of a burglar prowling around a house on the 1300 block of West Saint Andrews Avenue.
Police found Taffola on the grounds of nearby Sepulveda Elementary School when they went to investigate. When officers attempted to question Taffola, he became violent and had to be subdued, Helton said. A canine unit was called in to help in the arrest.
At the hospital, Taffola lapsed into unconsciousness and died while being treated for dog bites and minor scrapes and bruises.
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