Burbank Police continue to investigate a suspicious and possibly drug-related death that took place Oct. 20 at an apartment building near the Hollywood-Burbank Airport.
At about 9:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the apartment complex regarding an incident involving a naked man who was allegedly causing a disturbance at the residence. Reports stated that the man in question was being restrained by residents of the building.
By the time officers arrived, they found the naked man “in medical distress,” police said. It was reported that residents of the building attempted to subdue the man for yet unknown reasons. They contacted police during the disturbance, and the man was held at the building by residents until officers arrived.
The officers began life-saving measures, including administering Narcan — an antidote for opioid overdoses — and performing CPR. Burbank Fire Paramedics arrived on scene and after their efforts.
Despite first-aid and life-saving efforts by BPD, the 43-year-old man was pronounced dead, a report released by BPD stated on Oct. 21.
Homicide investigators were called out to the scene, according to police, and they interviewed several witnesses who said the man broke windows and assaulted a female resident. Detectives also searched the deceased man’s apartment and vehicle pursuant to a warrant and located narcotics, reports stated.
No information on what type of narcotics the man may have been using was disclosed by police.
According to police, cellphone footage taken from witnesses at the building helped to corroborate statements taken from residents.
The cause of death has not yet been determined. Burbank Police are awaiting a report from the Los Angeles County coroner investigator, who will rule on the cause and manner of death, pending an autopsy and toxicology results.
Police said that all parties involved in the incident remained on-scene and cooperated with investigators. No arrests were made in the man’s death, but the investigation is continuing.
The identity of the deceased is not being released at this time pending identification by the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Burbank Police Department Investigation Division, at (818) 238-3210.
First published in the October 28 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
