Editorials

Berkeley Man Dies in Police Custody 

A 45-year-old Berkeley man—believed to be the relative of a Berkeley minister and former City Council candidate—died in police custody early Monday morning while he was being booked at the police station. Berkeley Police spokesperson Ken Schofield said that Tyrone Hughes “appeared to suffer from a medical problem and became non-responsive” during the booking process. 

Paramedics say they found a small plastic object lodged in Hughes’ throat. 

Hughes is believed to be related to Carol Hughes Willoughby, pastor and founder of the NewLife For Christ Community Ministries and an unsuccessful candidate in the 2000 District 2 City Council race. Willoughby could not be reached for comment. 

Hughes was arrested after a routine traffic stop turned up an arrest warrant on a drug violation, Schofield said, adding that during a booking search, officers found pieces of what they believe is rock cocaine in Hughes’ pocket. 

“To my knowledge, there was no fight or struggle at any time,” Schofield said. 

Booze Sting  

Teamed with officers from the Berkeley and UC police departments and two underage decoys, agents of the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control have been running stings on Berkeley booze sellers since January—most recently in a March 19 sweep that found 14 of the 26 targeted stores willing to sell to minors. 

Drinking Binge Kills UC Student 

A drinking binge last week apparently ended in the death by alcohol poisoning of a UC Berkeley student, according to Berkeley Police. The body of Steve Saucedo, 21, was found in his Regent Street apartment Friday morning. He had engaged in a drinking contest the night before with a small group of friends.›