Man found dead in unlocked out-of-service patrol car outside of Azusa police station

AZUSA, Calif. (KABC) -- Loved ones gathered in Azusa on Friday night to remember the life of a man who was found dead in an unusual location.

Eric Valencia, 37, was found dead early Thursday morning in the back of an out-of-service patrol car parked in front of the Azusa police station.

Police said he was not in custody, and they were not aware that he had entered the car.

The police department said the car was due for maintenance and was not in active use by the department. An independent investigation conducted by an outside firm is underway to determine how it was left unlocked.

"It is not uncommon for vehicles to be out of service and parked for days and/or weeks at a time, as we have a large fleet of emergency vehicles," Chief of Police Rocky Wenrick wrote in a statement. "The vehicle had been left unlocked, and it should have been secured."

Wenrick confirmed that Valencia was arrested the Friday before he was found dead on suspicion of driving under the influence and child endangerment. He was released from custody on Monday.

After he was found dead, police reportedly found camera footage that shows the man entering the backseat of the unlocked police car.

Valencia's cause of death has not been released.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Lieutenant Steve Sears at 626-812-3200.