GoFundMe created for man who died in Stanislaus sheriff’s custody. Investigation ongoing
A GoFundMe has been created for the family of 39-year-old Shane Harlan, who died last week in Waterford while in sheriff's deputy custody.
Harlan had a mental health condition and was experiencing a mental health crisis when deputies showed up, the fundraiser states. He was in a full-body restraint device known as a WRAP when he became unconscious and passed away, according to law enforcement.
The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office said it is currently awaiting the autopsy report to help determine the official cause and manner of death, which may take several weeks to complete. It did not answer The Bee’s questions regarding details of the incident, nor when body camera footage will be released.
“Once we receive additional information, we will be able to provide more details to the public,” stated Sgt. Veronica Esquivez in an email.
On June 4, at about 7:30 p.m., deputies assigned to Waterford Police Services responded to a family disturbance in the 13000 block of Rivercrest Dr. A resident there signed a citizen’s arrest complaint alleging that Harlan, a family member, had caused about $800 in property damage.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Harlan resisted deputies’ attempt to take him into custody for vandalism, which led to “a brief physical struggle.” Harlan was handcuffed but continued to resist.
A WRAP device was then applied to Harlan, who sat on the ground and remained under constant observation by deputies, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies then noticed Harlan became unresponsive and requested emergency medical personnel from Oak Valley Ambulance Service.
Deputies provided medical aid, including CPR, as emergency medical personnel arrived. The WRAP device was removed to let medical personnel continue resuscitation efforts.
Harlan died at the scene. He leaves behind a 10-year-old son, who, according to the GoFundMe, was the center of his world.
Detectives assigned to the Sheriff’s Office’s Major Crimes Unit, in collaboration with the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, have assumed the investigation into Harlan’s death. Anyone with information regarding the investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Jorge Perez at 209-525-7114.
“Despite living with a mental health condition, Shane remained hopeful and determined to build a better future for himself and his son,” the GoFundMe reads.
Harlan had recently secured a job and was planning to move to South Lake Tahoe at the end of June for a fresh start, according to the GoFundMe.
“This opportunity meant everything to him, as it would have allowed him to live closer to his son, and be more present in his daily life spending meaningful time together and building memories they both looked forward to,” the GoFundMe continued. “It is heartbreaking beyond words that all of his hopes, plans, and dreams for a fresh start and brighter future will never come to be.”
As of Wednesday, the GoFundMe has raised $250 of its $5,500 goal.
What is WRAP?
WRAP is a full-body system that locks a person’s legs together and clips their torso into a seated position. It was developed by former Walnut Creek police officers as a safer alternative to restrain people, compared to hog tying, which has been blamed for numerous in-custody deaths.
The device is used by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and many law enforcement agencies.
According to its manufacturer, Safe Restraints, WRAP is designed “to stop these conflicts quickly, achieve fast de-escalation and provide rapid recovery for both subject & personnel.”
“Unlike conventional restraints, The WRAP® supports an upright seated position, allowing clear breathing, communication, and rapid medical assessment,” reads Safe Restraints’ website.
A 2022 article by Capital & Main found at least 10 lawsuits have been brought by families of people who died in police custody during incidents involving the WRAP since 2000. Most do not cite the restraint itself as the cause of death, as many of the people who died in these incidents had preexisting physical or mental health conditions.
One lawsuit involves Earl McNeil, who died in 2018 after being restrained by officers of the National City Police Department in California. McNeil was allegedly left in the restraint system for more than two hours without receiving medical attention.
The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office did not answer The Bee’s question asking how long Harlan was in the WRAP restraint before he was seen as nonresponsive.
Harlan’s death has garnered anger from community members criticizing the deputies’ use of the WRAP hold.
During the Modesto City Council meeting Tuesday night, flyers were passed out, calling on locals to pack the next Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors meeting.
“This was entirely preventable, and this WRAP is going to continue to cause problems in Stanislaus County,” said Harlan Diven during public comment.
The next county supervisors meeting will be on Tuesday, June 16, 6:30 p.m. at 1010 10th Street in Modesto.
