Facts

On March 4, 2006, City of Tracy police officers arrested 71-year-old Guillermo Davila because they suspected that he was publicly intoxicated after finding him in the home of a neighbor. The officers took Davila to the San Joaquin County Jail where he was detained for six hours and released him a short time after 1 a.m. on March 5. Concerned for Davila due to his diabetes and dementia, his family reported him missing and a large-scale search for Davila ensued. On March 7, Davila was found dead approximately one mile in distance from the jail. His family sued San Joaquin County, the City of Tracy, and involved officers.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The County disagreed as to the family's claims regarding medical examinations performed while Davila was detained. The County also noted that Davila's family did not contact the Tracy Police Department until approximately 19 hours after they realized he was missing.

Result

The County agreed to pay the family $600,000. The court granted summary judgment in favor of the City of Tracy defendants.

Other Information

Plaintiffs have appealed the granting of summary judgment to the City of Tracy defendants.