Dante Parker died while in police custody Tuesday after San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies used a taser gun on him multiple times.
The 36-year-old newspaper pressman was suspected of trying to break into a Victorville home, according to NBC Los Angeles.
The Sheriff’s deputies tried to stop Parker, who was riding a bicycle away from the home. Officials said he became “uncooperative and combative” and allegedly fought with deputies.
Authorities said a taser gun was used on Parker “multiple times” before he was handcuffed and placed in the back of a police car.
When deputies noticed he was breathing heavily and sweating, they took him to a nearby hospital, where he died.
Family members told NBC Los Angeles Parker was a family man who didn’t deserve to die like this.
“He was a big, gentle guy,” his father Darrell Parker. “So I don’t understand it. I’m at a loss for words. I miss him already.”
In a statement to NBC LA Parker’s boss, Harry Pontius, said:
Dante was a good man, a family man who just wanted to provide the best he could for his wife and kids. He’ll be extremely missed.
Parker’s death comes just two days before his 37th birthday.
Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.