North Aurora police cleared in death of man in custody

North Aurora police have been cleared of wrongdoing in the death of a man who was in their custody earlier this year.

Jorge Valerio Martinez, 49, of Aurora, died of coronary artery disease, with cocaine intoxication as a significant contributing factor, according to a news release from Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser.

The incident happened May 2. North Aurora police stopped Martinez to investigate a license-plate violation, according to the release.

An officer believed Martinez was intoxicated and administered field sobriety tests, which Martinez failed. Martinez was then arrested on suspicion that he was driving while under the influence, handcuffed and taken to the police department.

As they opened the squad door to exit, Martinez said he had a stent in his heart and that he needed to go to the hospital. Officers asked Martinez to sit up, but he collapsed in the vehicle. They took him out and began resuscitation.

Paramedics took Martinez to Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, where he was pronounced dead an hour later.

The autopsy report said Martinez had coronary atherosclerosis, according to the news release. It also said he had several stents, myocardial fibrosis, pulmonary edema, and cerebral edema. It said his blood-alcohol level was .023.

Relatives told investigators Martinez had a history of heart problems, but had stopped seeking medical treatment a few years prior because he did not have health insurance.

Mosser ruled the officers acted appropriately. The release said they had probable cause to arrest Martinez, used minimal force, immediately summoned help when requested and provided aid until paramedics arrived.