SPOKANE, Wash. -- Investigators released the names of six deputies involved in gaining control and restraining an inmate who died while being booked into the Spokane County Jail early Sunday morning.
Sheriff’s deputies said they had an uncooperative man in the booking area of the jail around 5:00 a.m. Deputies used a TASER and “force” to gain control of Christopher James Parker, 33.
Authorities said that Parker called 911 around 3 a.m. Sunday. Dispatchers said that he wasn't making sense and he claimed someone was trying to hurt him. Parker also admitted to using meth.
When police arrived on the 2100 block of West 4th Avenue in Browne’s Addition they discovered he was wanted on several misdemeanor charges.
Parker was also looked over by medics who discovered he was diabetic. He was placed in a restraint chair in a holding area, but shortly after he lost consciousness. Deputies and emergency medical staff gave the inmate medical aid and CPR until ambulance staff arrived.
Parker did not regain consciousness and was pronounced dead.
The Spokane Investigative Regional Response (SIRR) Team completed all interview of jail staff involved in the incident. Those deputies are listed below along with their years of experience:
Deputy Brad Dahlin-7 years
Deputy William Miller-11 yrs
Deputy Sandy Rief-4 yrs
Deputy Timothy Wirun-6 yrs
Deputy Alfred Torres-7 yrs
Deputy Kenneth Kuiper-6 yrs
Detectives also attempted to contact witnesses and relatives in the area where Parker was first contacted by Spokane Police early Sunday morning after 911 was called.
Video from the jail’s booking area will be included in the investigation.
Detectives are trying to determine how the situation unfolded, what procedures were used, and if a medical condition, meth or the tasing played a role in his death.
