Man, 28, dies
in Barrington holding cell
By CRYSTAL LINDELL - clindell@nwherald.com
BARRINGTON – Evidence of heart disease was found in the 28-year-old man who died in police custody Sunday, Lake County Coroner Richard Keller said.
Dennis John Russell, whose last known address was in Wonder Lake, died about 10:30 p.m. Sunday while in custody of the Barrington Police Department, according a news release.
An autopsy was conducted Monday, and pending results from a toxicology report, which are expected in about two weeks, heart disease has been given as the unofficial cause of death, Keller said.
Russell was picked up by Barrington Police from another area police department Saturday night after he was arrested on a warrant for felony retail theft, according to the release. He was awaiting a Monday morning bond hearing.
About 4:45 p.m. Sunday, Russell was seen vomiting, and Barrington Fire Department paramedics were called. However, Russell refused their offer of assistance and also refused transport to a hospital, according to the release.
Later, during a regular check, he did not respond to a voice call from an officer outside his cell. Russell was not breathing and without a pulse. Paramedics confirmed the death.
Russell had reported no medical problems when taken into custody, according to the release.
Keller said no evidence of trauma was found.
“Unfortunately [heart disease] does happen in younger and younger people,” he said. “It certainly can happen.”
