CDCR is investigating a staff assault where an inmate died at Soledad State Prison (Correctional Training Facility).
A press release says an incident started around 1100 hours on March 21, when Inmate Joseph Altamirano yelled at and then punched a correctional officer. The officer then struck Altamirano, knocking him to the ground. Officials say Altamirano was pepper sprayed after he tried to assault the officers again, and was then put in restraints.
The press release also says shortly after the altercation, Altamirano began having difficulty breathing. Staff began life-saving measures and he was transported to an outside medical facility, where he was pronounced dead.
Officials say the staff member who was assaulted was evaluated and treated. Two other responding staff members were transported to outside medical facilities, treated, and have since been released.
The Coroner’s Division of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office will determine Altamirano’s cause of death.
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