North Las Vegas psychiatric patient’s death ruled a homicide

A diligent died past twelvemonth aft being restrained successful a North Las Vegas psychiatric ward, constabulary and the Clark County coroner’s bureau said Wednesday.

The coroner’s bureau ruled that Phillip Vernon Lucero, 54, of Las Vegas, died from cardiopulmonary apprehension pursuing restraint successful the prone position. His decease was ruled a homicide.

North Las Vegas constabulary officers were called astatine 9:54 p.m. connected Feb. 13 aft Lucero, who was astatine the infirmary connected a 72-hour psychiatric hold, was being combative with staff, according to a connection from North Las Vegas constabulary serviceman Alex Cuevas.

“When unit had restrained the diligent helium became deceased,” Cuevas said.

Cuevas said Wednesday that detectives were awaiting the last ruling from coroner’s bureau and nary arrests had been made.

North Vista Hospital did not respond to aggregate requests for comment.

Cuevas said Lucero was brought to the infirmary by the Metropolitan Police Department, but Metro declined to supply immoderate details connected his case.

Lucero’s decease is 1 of 2 homicides resulting from restraint past year, according to coroner data.

Gregory Pfuhl, 36, died March 19 aft helium was restrained successful a radical home, according to the coroner’s office.

Pfuhl died astatine the TLC Care Center successful Henderson, but Henderson constabulary said they ne'er investigated the decease of the Las Vegas resident.

Contact Sabrina Schnur astatine sschnur@reviewjournal.com oregon 702-383-0278. Follow @sabrina_schnur connected Twitter.