LBPD HQ

Authorities today identified a man who died while in police custody in Long Beach.

Officers were dispatched about 11:30PM Monday to the area of Granada Avenue and Ocean Boulevard to investigate a report of a woman screaming, according to the Long Beach Police Department.

Arriving officers saw a bystander detaining a possible suspect, and the officer—with help from Marine Patrol Special Services officers—handcuffed the man, who put up no resistance, police said.

The officers quickly realized, however, that the man was in medical distress, so they removed the handcuffs and started administering life-saving measures, police said.

Shawn Dunford, 41, a transient, died at the scene, the coroner’s office reported. An autopsy was pending to determine the cause of death.

“Preliminary investigation and witness statements indicates the suspect, a man, approached the victim and took her cellphone,” according to a police statement. “The victim, a female adult, screamed for help when the suspect attempted to flee the scene. Bystanders came to her aid and made attempts to detain the suspect, which resulted in a physical altercation until
officers arrived.”

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office was conducting a death investigation separate from one that was launched by police.

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call Long Beach police homicide detectives at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS.