Investigation Underway Following Death of Riverside Resident in Police Custody
RIVERSIDE, CA — The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has initiated a death investigation following the passing of a 52-year-old man in police custody early Tuesday morning.
On April 7, 2026, at approximately 5:54 a.m., the Riverside Police Department received reports regarding an individual in the 5000 block of Jones Avenue. According to dispatch records, residents reported a partially clothed male walking in the roadway, shouting and throwing rocks at passing vehicles.
Responding officers from the Field Operations Division located the man, identified as Ruben Perez of Riverside, in front of a residence. Officers made contact with Mr. Perez and placed him into custody. Shortly after the detainment, officers reported that Mr. Perez appeared to be experiencing medical complications.
Police personnel requested medical assistance and performed life-saving measures until the arrival of Riverside Fire Department paramedics. Despite medical intervention, Mr. Perez was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Force Investigations Detail has assumed the lead role in the ongoing death investigation, supported by the Riverside Police Robbery-Homicide Unit. The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office is also assisting with the case. Officials stated that the formal cause of death will remain pending until the conclusion of a coroner’s examination and the results of toxicology reports.
Authorities are asking individuals with information related to this encounter to contact Riverside Sheriff’s Investigator David Sandoval at (951) 955-2777 or Riverside Police Detectives Ricky Barajas and Mike Smith.
