David Sal Silva, 33, died at Kern Medical Center Wednesday morning after being detained and beaten by Kern County Sheriff deputies.

"From what we saw,” Danny, a neighbor, said, “I would have to say that it did seem like it was a bit (of) excessive force used."

At 11:55 p.m. on Tuesday a KMC security officer reported that a man, Silva, on Flower Street and Palm Drive near the medical center was intoxicated. A deputy and canine were dispensed to investigate the scene.

When Silva resisted the deputy, the deputy called for back-up and released the canine. Silva fought both.

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Five more deputies and two California Highway Patrol officers arrived on the scene, restraining Silva by battering him with a baton.

"He just started hitting him with his baton hard," An unnamed Eyewitness News source said, "I can hear it as it hits the street, because it echos down the street."

When Silva began having trouble breathing, an ambulance was called and paramedics attempted to treat him on the spot.

He was removed to the medical center and died at 12:44 a.m.

"They say he's a cool person," One witness said of Silva," It just seemed unlikely he was much of a threat.”

An autopsy is scheduled today that will determine the cause and manner of death.

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Sources: The Bakersfield Californian, Bakersfield Now

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