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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Jail inmate who died Wednesday identified

The man who died early Wednesday shortly after being arrested by Spokane police was identified today as Lorenzo Hayes, 37. Hayes died after an unspecified medical emergency that happened while jail officers were trying to restrain him in the booking area, police said yesterday in a news release. The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s office said the cause of his death is pending toxicology reports and the manner is pending further investigation. County commissioner Todd Mielke said Wednesday he was told Hayes suffered a cardiac incident during booking. Hayes was arrested on suspicion of violating a no contact order and unlawful possession of a firearm Wednesday morning. Officers said he appeared to be high and became uncooperative during the ride to jail, according to the release. Hayes’ death is being investigated by the Washington State Patrol.