Crest Hill Man, 39, Who Died In Joliet Police Handcuffs Identified

JOLIET — Late on Thursday night, Will County Coroner Laurie Summers announced that an autopsy was performed following the Christmas morning death of David J. Malito, a 39-year-old Crest Hill man.

Malito died less than 50 minutes after he called 911 after running from his damaged car over to the Shell gas station at Larkin Avenue and McDonough Street. The Joliet police went to the gas station and while he remained at the Shell, Malito fell to the ground, according to the Joliet police department.

As the officers tried to speak to Malito, he exhibited erratic behavior and was making irrational statements, Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English has said.

According to police, Malito was also sweating profusely and repeatedly claimed that someone was trying to kill him. Based upon his behavior, the officers believed he might have been under the influence of an unknown substance.

According to English, to ensure his safety and the safety of those around him, the officers attempted to detain the man and requested an ambulance for a medical evaluation.

Malito continued to yell, act erratically and struggle with the officers, according to police. He was detained in handcuffs after he fell to the ground after pulling away from the officers, English said.

Summers, the coroner, said Malito was pronounced dead at 5:14 a.m. at Ascension St. Joseph's Medical Center in Joliet, which is just a couple of miles away from the Shell station.

The Will Grundy Major Crimes Task Force is now investigating Malito's death and the final cause and manner will be determined following the autopsy, police and toxicological reports, Summers pointed out.

Downtown at the Joliet Police Department, the officers involved in Malito's death have all been on put on paid leave from their agency.