The Tigard Police Department said it has handed a death investigation over to the DA’s Office. The investigation into the death of a man who was stopped by a loss prevention employee has been referred to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office.

Around 9:54 a.m. on August 9, 2024, authorities received a report of a disturbance at the Safeway Store at 15570 Southwest Pacific Highway. Tigard and King City Police Department officers responded to the scene.

Authorities say it was determined that a loss prevention employee had stopped a man who was suspected of shoplifting and was holding him on the ground. Witnesses told police that the man was being held by the neck at some point.

At the scene, officers found the man unconscious. Witnesses said the loss prevention worker began CPR and another store employee took over. The man was taken to an area hospital where he passed away on August 16.

The man has been identified as 46-year-old Michael Letendre. Police say the loss prevention worker was not employed by Safeway. Instead, he worked for a private security company. The man has not been formally charged at this time.