Man Dies in Police Custody in Costa Mesa
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A 59-year-old man arrested in Costa Mesa after he was found intoxicated and partially clothed died Wednesday in police custody, authorities said.
Police found Christopher Dixon Cook of Newport Beach unconscious on the sidewalk near Baker and Bear streets at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Cook wore no pants and appeared very drunk, Costa Mesa authorities said.
About 12 hours after he was taken to Costa Mesa City Jail, an officer noticed that Cook looked ill. He was taken by paramedics to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. He died at 5:50 p.m., authorities said.
The Orange County district attorney’s office is investigating.
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