El Cajon, California, January 28, 2026
Authorities in El Cajon, California, are investigating the in-custody death of Qui Ly, a 52-year-old man who became unresponsive while restrained by police. Police responded to a call regarding a man in distress, but Ly allegedly resisted their commands. Following his passing days later, the investigation will focus on the circumstances of the restraint and response by officers. Community leaders are advocating for transparency and accountability as the San Diego Police Department leads the inquiry.
El Cajon, California: Investigation Underway into In-Custody Death
El Cajon, California – Authorities have launched an investigation into the tragic death of a 52-year-old man, Qui Ly, who died after being restrained by police earlier this month. The incident took place on January 4, 2026, following a 911 call regarding a man reportedly running in traffic and seeking help. When the El Cajon police arrived at the scene near Magnolia Avenue and West Chase Avenue, Ly refused to cooperate with directives and lay face down in the roadway. Despite officers handcuffing him and applying soft restraints, he became unresponsive while waiting for paramedics. Although officers administered CPR and naloxone, he did not regain consciousness and was subsequently declared dead at a local hospital on January 17. The cause of death remains under investigation.
Background on the Incident
Details surrounding the incident continue to emerge as the San Diego Police Department serves as the lead investigator. Qui Ly, previously living in Portsmouth, Virginia, exhibited erratic behavior before police intervention. After officers secured him, they called for medical assistance, suspecting that he may have experienced a drug-related emergency. Their attempts at revival proved unsuccessful, leading to a hospital transfer where he remained unresponsive for days before being pronounced dead. The investigation aims to clarify whether the restraint methods applied and other factors significantly impacted Ly’s unfortunate outcome.
Investigation and Next Steps
The investigation is administered by the San Diego Police Department, which works closely with the Medical Examiner’s Office to ascertain the cause of death. This review will also evaluate the procedural aspects of law enforcement’s response and the potential involvement of force. The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office will examine the investigation results to consider any potential criminal liabilities tied to the incident. Moreover, a separate administrative inquiry will be conducted by the El Cajon Police Department. Oversight is being provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure a transparent process.
Community Response and Support
The community of El Cajon is grappling with the implications of this incident, raising questions about police practices and the governance of force used during arrests. Local leaders and residents have expressed their desire for a fair and transparent investigation, stressing the importance of accountability. To assist those impacted by the event, support services are being made available. The El Cajon Police Department has committed to maintaining open lines of communication with the community throughout the investigation, emphasizing their pledge to uphold trust and accountability in law enforcement operations.
Related Incidents and Context
This incident reflects a larger dialogue about policing practices throughout the country, where varying instances have prompted calls for enhanced oversight and reform. The El Cajon Police Department is using this opportunity to review and possibly revise its training programs aimed at aligning with best practices while responding to community expectations effectively. Public forums and discussions are also in the works, facilitating open discussions between law enforcement and the residents they serve.
Conclusion
The unfortunate death of Qui Ly has led to a comprehensive and ongoing investigation by the San Diego Police Department and associated bodies. Community participation is encouraged to ensure a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding this incident. The El Cajon Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and fostering trust within the community it serves, recognizing the need for continual improvement in their practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened during the incident involving Qui Ly?
On January 4, 2026, at approximately 6 a.m., El Cajon police officers responded to a report of a man running in traffic and yelling for help in the area of Magnolia Avenue and West Chase Avenue. Upon arrival, the man, later identified as Qui Ly of Portsmouth, Virginia, refused to follow verbal commands and lay face down on the roadway. Officers handcuffed him, applied soft restraints to his ankles, and called for paramedics. While awaiting medical assistance, Ly became non-responsive. Officers administered CPR and naloxone, suspecting a drug-related issue, but he did not regain consciousness. He was transported to a local hospital, where he remained unresponsive and was pronounced dead on January 17. The cause of death is pending, and the San Diego Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
Who are the officers involved in the incident?
The officers involved in the incident have been identified as Sergeant James Juns and Officers Alma Benevidez, Ian Gilliom, Malala Sapini, and Brian Valadez. The San Diego Police Department is conducting an investigation into their actions, with oversight from the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Attorney’s Office.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The San Diego Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Qui Ly. Detectives are working closely with the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death and to assess whether the use of force by the officers played any role. The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office will review the findings to determine if any criminal liability exists. Additionally, the El Cajon Police Department will conduct an administrative investigation into the actions of the officers involved. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office are also monitoring the investigation to ensure transparency and accountability.
How can the community assist in the investigation?
The community is encouraged to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation. Those with information are urged to contact the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Community members can also participate in upcoming forums and discussions to address concerns and foster dialogue between law enforcement and the community.
What support services are available for those affected by the incident?
Support services are available for those affected by the incident, including counseling and community resources. Individuals seeking assistance are encouraged to contact local support organizations or the El Cajon Police Department for information on available services. The department emphasizes the importance of community trust and is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of conduct and accountability.
Key Features of the Incident
| Date and Time | January 4, 2026, at approximately 6 a.m. |
|---|---|
| Location | Magnolia Avenue and West Chase Avenue, El Cajon, California |
| Individual Involved | Qui Ly, 52 years old, of Portsmouth, Virginia |
| Officers Involved | Sgt. James Juns, Officers Alma Benevidez, Ian Gilliom, Malala Sapini, and Brian Valadez |
| Current Investigation Status | Ongoing by San Diego Police Department with oversight from external authorities |
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