Video Shows Man Entering Police Vehicle Before Being Found Dead

Azusa authorities investigate mysterious death after man's body discovered in patrol car days later

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:54pm

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An extreme close-up of a police car door handle, the harsh flash illuminating the metal texture against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of gritty investigation into an unexplained incident.The mysterious circumstances surrounding a man's death inside an Azusa police vehicle have sparked an investigation into departmental protocols.Azusa Today

The Azusa Police Department has released security footage showing a 37-year-old man, Eric Valencia, entering the back of a patrol vehicle after being released from custody on March 23. Valencia's body was later found inside the unlocked SUV three days later when police were preparing to have the vehicles washed, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.

Why it matters

The video and subsequent investigation have sparked concerns about police protocols for releasing detainees and securing patrol vehicles, as well as the need for greater transparency around in-custody deaths. Azusa authorities are working to determine the cause of Valencia's death and provide closure for his family.

The details

According to Azusa Police Chief Rocky Wenrick, Valencia was initially arrested on March 20 on suspicion of driving under the influence and child endangerment. He was held over the weekend before being released on March 23, at which point surveillance footage shows him walking to the front of the station and entering the back of a patrol SUV. Wenrick stated that Valencia showed no apparent signs of distress at the time of his release. Valencia's body was later discovered inside the unlocked vehicle three days later when the fleet maintenance crew was preparing to wash the patrol cars.

  • On March 20, Valencia was arrested on suspicion of DUI and child endangerment.
  • On March 23, Valencia was released from custody and entered a patrol vehicle.
  • On March 26, Valencia's body was found inside the unlocked patrol SUV.

The players

Eric Valencia

A 37-year-old man who was found dead inside a police vehicle in Azusa, California, several days after being released from custody.

Rocky Wenrick

The Azusa Police Chief who provided details about the investigation into Valencia's death.

Azusa Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the circumstances surrounding Valencia's death after he was found inside one of their patrol vehicles.

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What they’re saying

“'Mr. Valencia was released from custody with no apparent signs of distress. Surveillance video shows Mr. Valencia unlawfully entering the rear seat area of patrol unit 37.'”

— Rocky Wenrick, Azusa Police Chief

“'We're gonna do our best in the investigation to figure out why Mr. Valencia walked out and got in the vehicle. Hopefully we'll be able to provide closure to the family and for our own sake of knowing why that decision was made and why he did what he did.'”

— Rocky Wenrick, Azusa Police Chief

What’s next

The Azusa Police Department has stated that they will continue their investigation to determine the cause of Eric Valencia's death and provide closure for his family.

The takeaway

This incident raises serious questions about police protocols for releasing detainees and securing patrol vehicles, as well as the need for greater transparency around in-custody deaths. The Azusa community is awaiting answers from the police investigation to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic outcome.