Family sues Azusa over man’s death in unlocked police patrol car

The family of a Southern California man who died from extreme heat inside an unlocked police patrol car has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city of Azusa, KTLA 5 reported.

The man, identified as Eric Valencia, was a father of two children. Surveillance video showed him leaving Azusa police custody before the incident occurred.

Valencia died shortly after being left inside the patrol vehicle, which was unlocked, leading to the family’s legal action against the city.

Attorneys for the family announced the lawsuit, emphasizing the circumstances surrounding Valencia’s death and the city’s responsibility in the matter.