Investigation Underway After 68-Year-Old Man Dies in Custody Following Caldwell Police Response

Investigation Underway After 68-Year-Old Man Dies in Custody Following Caldwell Police Response

CALDWELL, Idaho — June 15, 2025 — Authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation following the in-custody death of a 68-year-old man who was handcuffed during a medical emergency response by the Caldwell Police Department. The incident occurred late Friday night, June 14, and has sparked concern in the community as officials work to determine the circumstances leading up to the man’s untimely death.

According to a statement released by the Caldwell Police Department (CPD), officers were dispatched around 11:00 p.m. to a residence following a 911 call reporting a man in severe distress. The caller stated that the individual appeared to be suffering from an unknown medical condition, was exhibiting violent behavior, and had threatened to jump from a third-floor balcony.

Responding to what was described as a volatile and high-risk situation, officers from CPD, personnel from Caldwell Fire Department, and Canyon County Paramedics arrived at the scene and made contact with the man. Authorities said that in the interest of his safety—and the safety of first responders and others nearby—the man was restrained using what CPD described as “minor physical force and body weight.” He was placed in handcuffs as part of the effort to de-escalate the situation and allow emergency responders to assess and treat him.

Tragically, shortly after the handcuffs were applied, the man became unresponsive and lost consciousness. Despite immediate medical attention from on-scene paramedics, he was later pronounced dead. His identity has not yet been publicly released, pending notification of next of kin.

The exact cause of death has not been determined. Officials emphasize that the man’s medical condition prior to police arrival is under review and may be a contributing factor. As is standard procedure in such critical incidents, the investigation has been turned over to the multi-agency Critical Incident Task Force, with the Nampa Police Department acting as the lead agency.

Caldwell Police officials have expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. “We understand the seriousness of this incident and are committed to transparency and accountability,” CPD said in its statement. “Our thoughts are with the individual’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

As the investigation unfolds, key questions remain: What specific medical condition was the man experiencing? Was the use of physical restraint appropriate under the circumstances? And was there any role that restraint or police response may have played in his death?

The involvement of the Critical Incident Task Force is designed to ensure an impartial and thorough examination of all evidence, including body-worn camera footage, witness statements, and medical evaluations. Autopsy results from the coroner’s office will be instrumental in determining the cause and manner of death.

Meanwhile, community members in Caldwell are left grappling with the news and calling for clear answers. Some have raised concerns about the use of force during mental health or medical crises, reigniting conversations about crisis intervention protocols and the role of law enforcement in such emergencies.

Officials say more information will be released as the investigation progresses. In the coming days, the Canyon County Coroner is expected to release preliminary autopsy findings. The Nampa Police Department is asking any witnesses or individuals with relevant information to come forward.

The outcome of the investigation may have lasting implications not only for the agencies involved but also for how emergency services respond to similar complex situations in the future.