Woman dies in Yakima police custody; investigation underway

YAKIMA (AP) — The Yakima County Special Investigations Unit has launched a possible homicide investigation into the death of a 33-year-old woman taken into protective police custody.

The Yakima Police Department responded to a citizens-assist call where Tiffany Alexis Eubanks was reportedly walking in and out of traffic around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Yakima Herald-Republic reported.

Police responded to assist paramedics who were attempting to treat Eubanks, authorities said, adding that officers handcuffed her when she became combative and placed her in protective custody, fearing she could injure herself.

Special Investigations Unit commander David Johnson said ambulances do not transport a handcuffed person unless an officer rides along.

“They just needed to transport her to the hospital, and the decision was made at that time to transfer her in the patrol car,” Johnson said, adding that Eubanks didn’t appear to be injured or in need of immediate medical attention.

While on the way to the hospital, Eubanks began experiencing a medical crisis in the back of the patrol car and was unresponsive when the car arrived at the hospital, police said. She was taken inside, and CPR was performed.

Eubanks died around 3 a.m. Wednesday at Virginia Mason Memorial hospital.