Man found dead in unlocked out-of-service patrol car outside Azusa police station

Independent investigation underway to determine how vehicle was left unsecured

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:41am

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A 26-year-old man was found dead early Thursday morning in the back of an out-of-service patrol car parked in front of the Azusa police station. Police said the man was not in custody and they were unaware he had entered the vehicle, which was due for maintenance and should have been locked.

Why it matters

The incident has raised questions about police department protocols for securing vehicles not in active use, as well as concerns from the community about transparency and accountability around the man's death.

The details

According to police, the patrol car was parked outside the station and not in active use by the department. Surveillance footage shows the man, identified as Eric Valencia, entering the unlocked backseat of the vehicle. Valencia had been arrested the previous Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence and child endangerment, but was released from custody on Monday. The cause of his death has not been released, and an independent investigation is underway to determine how the vehicle was left unlocked.

  • On Thursday morning, Valencia was found dead in the back of the patrol car.
  • The previous Friday, Valencia was arrested on suspicion of DUI and child endangerment.
  • On Monday, Valencia was released from custody.

The players

Eric Valencia

A 26-year-old man who was found dead in the back of an out-of-service patrol car parked outside the Azusa police station.

Rocky Wenrick

The Chief of Police in Azusa, who confirmed the vehicle had been left unlocked and should have been secured.

Steve Sears

A Detective Lieutenant with the Azusa Police Department, who is encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

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What they’re saying

“It is not uncommon for vehicles to be out of service and parked for days and/or weeks at a time, as we have a large fleet of emergency vehicles. The vehicle had been left unlocked, and it should have been secured.”

— Rocky Wenrick, Chief of Police

What’s next

The independent investigation conducted by an outside firm is expected to determine how the patrol car was left unlocked and provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for police departments to have robust protocols in place for securing vehicles not in active use, in order to prevent unauthorized access and potential harm. The community is seeking transparency and accountability around the circumstances of this man's death.