Banned San Pablo Lytton Casino guest dies in police custody
After the San Pablo Lytton Casino called the police on a banned casino guest, the individual later died in police custody.
The California-based San Pablo Lytton Casino called the San Pablo Police Department at 10.44pm on Saturday, February 7, to report a banned casino guest who was refusing to leave the property. According to a report shared to Facebook by the police department, casino security staff told dispatchers before the officers arrived at the scene that the individual was physically resisting.
Casino security staff members handcuffed and detained the banned individual, a 70-year-old from El Cerrito, before San Pablo Police Department officers arrived. When the officers arrived on the scene, he was taken into police custody for trespassing and taken to the county jail. The police report notes that “there was no use of force by San Pablo PD officers to effect the arrest.”
“While at the jail, the individual experienced an unknown medical emergency,” continues the report. “Jail personnel and Contra Costa Fire Protection District staff immediately rendered medical aid and transported the individual to a local hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, the individual was later pronounced deceased.”
An investigation is still ongoing
The death in police custody has triggered a joint investigation between the San Pablo Police Department and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, in accordance with Contra Costa County protocol. The individual’s identity is being kept anonymous until the next of kin can be notified.
“This incident remains an active investigation,” concludes the police report. “Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Department at (510) 215-315.”
A separate and unrelated incident involving the casino occurred in February 2025. Convicted felon Christopher Andalis, 45, was arrested after allegedly evading police in a Chevy Tahoe before attempting to hide inside San Pablo Lytton Casino. Authorities reported that Andalis was found with approximately 23 grams of suspected methamphetamine packaged for sale.
The pursuit was monitored from above by California Highway Patrol Golden Gate Division helicopter H-30, with assistance from Vallejo Police Department. Officials have not indicated any connection between that 2025 arrest and the current in-custody death under investigation.
Featured image: Google Maps
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