The Sacramento Police Department confirmed tonight that Tyrone Smith died while in custody. Below is a statement from the department:

Suspect in Shooting of Police Officer Dies in Custody

The Sacramento Police Department is conducting two concurrent investigations. The first investigation is the attempt homicide of a Twin Rivers Police Officer. The second investigation is the in custody death of the suspect.

On October 22, 2011 at 2:23 p.m., a Twin Rivers Police Officer attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of Grand Avenue and Haywood Street. The driver refused to stop and a short vehicle pursuit ensued. The suspect eventually pulled over and fled on foot through a residential neighborhood. As the officer gave chase, the suspect fired a gun at the officer striking him several times.

After shooting the officer, detectives believe the suspect got back into his vehicle and drove away. Paramedics were in the area on an unrelated incident and rendered aid to the officer. The officer was transported to a nearby hospital where he is listed in critical but stable condition.

Several law enforcement agencies responded to the scene to assist in searching for the suspect. At approximately 10:58 p.m., officers located the suspect in the area of Branch Street and Nogales Street. Upon seeing the officers, the suspect fled on foot running through several yards and over fences. Officers caught up to the suspect in the 3500 block of Branch Street and ordered him to the ground. Initially, he failed to comply and was placed onto the ground where he was handcuffed. While walking to the patrol car, the suspect again tried to flee and fell to the ground. The suspect was then placed in the rear of a patrol car.

At approximately 11:33 p.m., while transporting the suspect, officers noticed he was unresponsive. Officers administered CPR and requested medical assistance. The Sacramento Fire Department responded and transported the suspect to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. At this time it is unknown what caused the suspect’s death. The preliminary investigation shows no indication that the suspect’s death was the result of police actions.

The Sacramento Police Department’s Homicide, Internal Affairs, Professional Standards, and Crime Scene Investigations Units are working on this investigation in conjunction with the City’s Office of Public Safety Accountability and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.