Naked Sonoma man who died during arrest was tased, police say

File photo of generic hospital emergency room. Close up of sign for emergency department in hospital File photo of generic hospital emergency room. Close up of sign for emergency department in hospital Photo: ERproductions Ltd / Getty Image Photo: ERproductions Ltd / Getty Image Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Naked Sonoma man who died during arrest was tased, police say 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A naked man allegedly smashing out streetlights and hitting himself in the face died after going into medical distress Wednesday during an arrest by Sonoma County sheriff’s deputies, police said.

Multiple 911 calls around 9:50 p.m. reported a man, identified as 44-year-old Roderic Bernard Cameron, destroying streetlights at the Oaks Mobile Home Park on Ramon Street in the city of Sonoma, said Lt. John Cregan, a spokesman for the Santa Rosa Police Department.

Deputies from the Sonoma Police Department and the county Sheriff’s Office reported that Cameron was walking toward them completely naked.

Police said Cameron appeared to be in an altered state, making irrational statements while hitting himself in the face and chest, and not complying with instructions. A stun gun was used to detain Cameron, who was put into restraints but continued to kick and move uncontrollably, police said.

During the arrest, police said, Cameron went into medical distress and was taken to Sonoma Valley Hospital, where he later died. Responding deputies reportedly had their body-worn cameras activated to record the incident.

Cameron’s death is being investigated by the Santa Rosa Police Department, and an autopsy will be performed by the Marin County coroner’s office.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, made prior contact with Cameron or may have additional video footage can contact the Santa Rosa Police Department at (707) 543-3590.