Updated: 10/18/2017 The man who died at the hospital in this incident has been identified as thirty four year-old Valley Center resident, Kristopher Michael Birtcher. The results of the autopsy have not been completed and are pending toxicology results.
The deputies involved in this event have been identified as Drew Beatty, Adrian Carrillo Roland Garza, Joseph Kodadek, John Robledo, Scott Rossall, Frank Stalzer and Scott Winter. The deputies are all assigned to the San Marcos Patrol Station.
San Marcos CA— On Saturday afternoon, October 14, 2017 at about 3:44 p.m. San Marcos Station Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call for service at the Hobby Lobby, located 553 Grand Avenue, San Marcos, CA. The 9-1-1 caller stated there was a white male adult in the lobby of the business who was staggering, appeared disoriented, and was possibly under the influence of drugs. Deputies and a Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) Clinician arrived at about 3:48 p.m. and contacted the man inside the store.

When the Deputy and PERT clinician attempted to evaluate the man, he became uncooperative and additional resources were requested. A struggle ensued after the male resisted attempts to detain him and he attempted to flee the scene. Two bystanders also attempted to assist deputies and gain control of the suspect. The force used by deputies to control the male included the use of a Department-issued Taser Conducted Energy Device (CED). The male was ultimately detained and maximum restraints were utilized to restrict his movement.
Deputies called the San Marcos Fire Department to the scene to evaluate the male. At that time the male continued to violently struggle with deputies while spitting at them, and showing signs of being under the influence of drugs. The male was also given Naloxone to treat what deputies believed was a drug overdose.
The Fire Department arrived and evaluated the male and prepared to transport him to the hospital. The male’s condition deteriorated during transport and he arrived at the hospital in medical distress. The male was pronounced dead at a local hospital emergency room at about 4:32 p.m.
Detectives from the San Diego Sheriff’s Homicide Detail responded to the scene and are investigating.
The name of the man who died is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin by the Medical Examiner’s Office. The cause and manner of death will also be determined by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321/after hours at (858) 565-5200. You can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.