No Charges Filed Against Deputies In Bakersfield Arrest Death

BAKERSFIELD (AP) — Kern County sheriff's deputies won't face criminal charges over the death of a man they beat during an arrest.

District Attorney Lisa Green announced Friday that investigators found law enforcement used reasonable force and a coroner has ruled that 33-year-old David Silva died of heart disease.

Deputies confronted Silva last May while answering a report of an intoxicated man. The 260-pound Silva was struck with batons and bitten by a police dog during a protracted struggle.

He later complained of breathing problems and died.

The coroner found alcohol, amphetamine, methamphetamine and a muscle relaxant in his system.

The family is suing the county over Silva's death.

Silva's brother, Christopher Silva, told the Bakersfield Californian that he doesn't believe the arrest account provided by authorities.

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