Cause of Crest Hill man’s death in Joliet not yet clear

Authorities have no answers yet on what caused the death of a Crest Hill man who was taken into custody after he displayed “erratic” behavior and claimed someone was trying to kill him Dec. 25.

David Malito, 39, has been identified by the Will County Coroner Laurie Summers’ Office as the man who died at a hospital after he was taken into custody by Joliet police officers.

Malito was pronounced dead at 5:14 a.m. Wednesday at Ascension Saint Joseph – Joliet Hospital, almost an hour after officers responded to Malito’s call.

A Joliet Police Department statement suggested that Malito may have been under the influence of an “unknown substance” since officers were able to revive him with the use of Narcan after he lost consciousness. Narcan is an anti-overdose medication.

Police officials, the coroner’s office and the Will-Grundy Major Crimes Task Force did not have any answers as of Friday as to what, if any, substance Malito had consumed and whether he died from it.

“At this point that’s unknown, as we are early on in the investigation,” said Kevin McQuaid, chairman of the Will-Grundy Major Crimes Task Force.

McQuaid said there were no narcotics found on Malito at the time of the incident, and it is “unknown if there was any in his vehicle.”

The task force is investigating Malito’s death. The task force has long been used in Will County to investigate police shootings and in-custody death cases.

What’s also not clear is whether Malito suffered any physical injuries in the incident.

Joliet police officials said Malito had “fallen to the ground after pulling away from officers.”

McQuaid said it does not appear Malito suffered any injury when he fell to the ground.

Police officials also noted that a vehicle belonging to Malito was damaged after striking a fence and a tree.

Joliet Police Sgt. Dwayne English referred questions about the incident to the task force. McQuaid said most of the questions regarding the incident will not be determined until after Summers provides her final report.

In response to questions on the Malito incident, Summers said, “As for every case we handle, no cause or manner are indicated until we have all the facts, testing back, [etc.]… not suppositions.”

Summers' statement on Malito’s death did not provide details on any preliminary findings from his autopsy that was conducted Thursday.

Three officers have been placed on administrative leave, English said. He said it is “unknown how long they will be on leave.”

On Thursday, the department denied Freedom of Information Act requests from The Herald-News seeking access to reports and videos because their release would “obstruct an ongoing criminal investigation.”

The department further elaborated Friday that releasing those records “prematurely before the task force is able to complete a full investigation will disclose information and individuals yet to be interviewed by the task force, thus affecting the integrity of their review.”

The Herald-News has appealed to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s Office.

The incident involving Malito’s death first began at 4:25 a.m. Wednesday, when officers went to a Shell gas station, 401 S. Larkin Ave., in response to a 911 call.

Officers found Malito inside the store, police said.

Officers determined that Malito had made the 911 call, noting “someone had pulled a gun on him and was trying to kill him,” police said.

When officers tried to speak to Malito, he showed “erratic behavior,” made “irrational statements” and was “sweating profusely,” police said.

Malito “repeatedly claimed that someone was trying to kill him,” although officers found no evidence to support the claim as of Wednesday, police said.

Officers tried to detain Malito and called for an ambulance because they believed he was under the influence of an “unknown substance,” police said.

However, Malito continued to “yell, act erratically and struggle” with officers, police said.

Malito was placed in handcuffs after he fell to the ground, where he lost consciousness, police said. Malito was briefly revived with Narcan, and his body was repositioned, police said.

Paramedics arrived at the scene, provided further medical assistance and took Malito to the hospital, police said.