PANEL FINDS MISCONDUCT IN JAIL DEATH

Says deputies failed to ensure medical attention for inmate

Two San Diego sheriff ’s deputies failed to recognize or respond to a jail inmate’s medical emergency after he told them he was having trouble breathing and minutes later he collapsed and died in Central Jail, an independent review has found.

Investigators with the county Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board, which independently examines in-custody deaths, said the deputies violated Sheriff ’s Department policies by not immediately ensuring that Anthony Chon received medical attention. The review did not name the deputies.

Chon, 43, had a history of mental health issues and had been seen by Central Jail medical staff on each of the three days before he died of a pulmonary embolism, or blood clot, on Oct. 16, 2020, investigators said.

Although one deputy told Chon he would summon medical help, he passed that duty onto another deputy, a violation of department policy.

“Deputy 1 informed

Deputy 3 that Chon was complaining of ‘shortness of breath’ (but) continued with his checks and never contacted Medical because he thought Deputy 3 was going to take care of Chon,” investigators said.

“Deputy 3 acknowledged that he was informed Chon was ‘having trouble breathing’ and reported that inmates housed in this specific module suffer from anxiety and it is ‘common’ (practice) for inmates to be placed in the Rec Yard for fresh air,” they added. “Deputy 3 said Chon did not appear to be in any distress nor did he request medical attention.”

The report, the latest in a series of misconduct findings the oversight board has issued against sheriff ’s deputies, will be considered by the citizens panel at its meeting Tuesday night. The board can recommend disciplinary action, but Sheriff Bill Gore is not obligated to follow it, according to rules put in place when the board was established in 1990.

Sheriff ’s Department officials said they welcome the outside review.

Spokesperson Lt. Amber Baggs said the department

holds deputies who violate policy accountable whether a misconduct finding is the result of an internal investigation or the citizens review board.

“We expect and require all of our employees to adhere to our policies and procedures,” she said. The department appreciates the review board’s “commitment to increase public confidence and accountability of peace officers,” she added.

According to the review board, Chon was arrested by San Diego police Feb. 27,