Oregon State Police on Monday identified Allen James Pitts as the man who died in Salem police custody on Saturday.
Pitts, 49, reportedly died after fight with Salem police at the Best Little Roadhouse on 1145 Commercial St. S.E., OSP said in a news release.
The state police said managers at the restaurant called police to have Pitts removed because he was being disruptive. When officers arrived in the dining room “a fight ensued,” the release said.
Pitts was taken into custody and officers requested medical personnel, the State Police said. Pitts died after being transported to Salem Health.
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Two Salem Police Department officers are on paid leave following the incident, OSP spokesman Tim Fox said.
The State Police took over the investigation from Salem because officers were involved in the death. The state agency is asking any witnesses to the incident or anyone who was in contact with the man prior to his arrest to contact State Police Detective Ted Moisan at 1-800-442-2068.
Pitts was convicted in Marion County of third-degree robbery, menacing, resisting arrest, second-degree theft and third-degree theft in 2009, according to available court records.
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