Autopsy: In-custody death caused by drugs

By VICTOR A. PATTON
vpatton@mercedsun-star.com

A 29-year-old man who died while in Merced police custody succumbed to cardiac arrest brought on by excessive drug use, according to a report from the Merced County Coroner's Office.

Merced police say the report sheds light on the death of 29-year-old Yaan Meuy Saephanh, who died on Sept. 4 after he had fled from police on a bike. When police caught up with Saephanh after a short pursuit, he had a seizure and died after being arrested, said Cmdr. Floyd Higdon.

According to the final pathologist report, released earlier this month, Saephanh's death was probably due to cardiac rhythm disorder, brought on by acute cocaine intoxication and abuse of several substances.

The report also stated that Saephanh had a seizure disorder from unknown causes.

The first autopsy report, released in September, showed no signs of trauma or indications that a struggle had taken place.

Higdon said in-custody deaths like Saephanh's are not unheard of, partly because officers often come into contact with individuals who have a history of substance abuse and poor health. "People abuse their bodies," Higdon said.

The arrest happened around 1:45 a.m. after Merced Police Department Officer Eduardo Chavez, near West Sixth and N streets, saw Saephanh riding a bicycle without any lights. The officer told the man to stop, but Higdon said the cyclist ignored the orders.

Saephanh turned on N Street and abandoned his bike, entering the backyard of a home. Chavez and Officer Gerald Bohanan followed Saephanh, and he surrendered to the officers, Higdon said. He was arrested and placed in handcuffs.

Police were walking with Saephanh out of the backyard when he started having a seizure. The officers placed the man on the ground, removed the handcuffs and called an ambulance. Saephanh was taken to Mercy Medical Center Merced and was pronounced dead at 2:50 a.m., Higdon said.

Higdon said the officers didn't scuffle with Saephanh or use a Taser during the arrest. Police didn't find any drugs on Saephanh's person.

Reporter Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or vpatton@mercedsun-star.com.