Report: Crest Hill man suffered cardiac arrest before Dec. 25 death in Joliet

A Crest Hill man who died on Christmas morning at a Joliet hospital after he was taken into police custody was suffering from a cardiac arrest, according to a paramedic report.

The Will-Grundy Major Crimes Task Force still is waiting on an official ruling from the Will County Coroner’s Office on the cause and manner of the Dec. 25 death of David Malito, 39.

The task force has been assigned to investigate Malito’s death at a hospital after he had been taken into police custody at the Shell gas station at 401 S. Larkin Ave.

The primary reason a Joliet Fire Department’s emergency crew responded to the scene was for a cardiac arrest, according to a paramedic report obtained in a Freedom of Information Act request.

Malito’s primary symptom was apnea, the temporary cessation of breathing.

The primary impression of Malito’s condition was “cardiac/traumatic/respiratory arrest,” according to the report. The secondary impression was “[alcohol/drug exposure-other substance related].“

In response to questions about the report, Kevin McQuaid, task force chairman, said the cause of Malito’s death will be determined by Coroner Laurie Summers “once she releases her final report.”

“In terms of any substance in [Malito’s] system, that will be part of the final report, as well,” McQuaid said.

McQuaid said, to his knowledge, Malito did not have any injuries.

Joliet police officials said officers found a vehicle belonging to Malito that had been damaged after striking a fence and a tree.

McQuaid said the task force believes Malito had been operating that vehicle, but that is “still under investigation.”

At 4:25 a.m. Dec. 25, officers responded to the Shell station after Malito made a 911 call claiming “someone had pulled a gun on him and was trying to kill him,” according to Joliet police officials.

Officers found no evidence at the time to support Malito’s claim, police said. Malito was exhibiting “erratic behavior,” making irrational statements and appeared to have been under the influence of an “unknown substance,” police said.

The emergency crew initially was sent to the gas station for a “psychiatric evaluation” of a person “acting erratic in [a] parking lot,” according to the paramedic report.

“Moments prior to arrival, crew was informed by dispatch that the [patient] was detained by [officers] and no longer breathing,” according to the report.

The crew arrived to find Malito unconscious, struggling to breathe, and “prone on the pavement, head turned right and his hands cuffed behind his back.”

“[Officers] stated he was acting erratic, not making sense and sweating [profusely]. [Officers] stated the [patient] became aggressive with them, requiring them to detain him on the ground,” according to the report.

After officers handcuffed Malito, they saw he was “purple in color and not breathing,” according to the report. Officers said they administered the anti-overdose medication Narcan to Malito.

The crew “noted no pulse” and requested officers remove the handcuffs and turn Malito over, according to the report. Malito was given CPR and Narcan.

Paramedics were dispatched to the scene at 4:31 a.m., arrived at 4:36 a.m., provided Malito emergency care and took him to Ascension Saint Joseph-Joliet hospital at 4:51 a.m., according to the report.

At 5:14 a.m., Malito was declared dead at the hospital, according to the coroner’s office.