Police cleared in death of man following high-speed chase

Darryl Daniels, 30, ran from police officers after the vehicle chase but was apprehended and struck on the thigh with a police baton during his arrest on attempted murder charges Aug. 4.

He was transferred from the police department to the Washoe County Medical Center, where he died early the next morning.

Police searched Daniels at the time of the arrest and found a crack pipe in his possession. An autopsy later showed he had a high concentration of cocaine in his system.

Dr. Amy Llewellyn concluded in the autopsy that Daniels died from sickle cell crisis brought on in part by physical exertion, 97 degree temperatures and cocaine abuse. She said the manor of death was natural.

"From all the information I have available to me, Reno Police Department officers did not contribute in any way to the death of Darryl Daniels," Washoe County District Attorney Richard Gammick said Thursday.

"The officers should be commended for their conduct in a very stressful and dangerous situation," he said in a statement.

After being struck by the police baton, Daniels was handcuffed without any further altercation, Gammick said.

Officers at the scene reported that there were no visible injuries to Daniels, nor did he complain of any.

After arriving at the Reno Police Department, Daniels was able to walk into the station but needed assistance from accompanying officers.

Once inside, he laid down on the floor. When he was asked if he was alright, he answered, "No."

Medical assistance was requested immediately and he was transferred to the medical center where he was put on a life support system.

"It is my opinion that none of the involved officers contributed to his death," Gammick said.

Daniels was wanted by Douglas County authorities for savagely beating his estranged wife, Kari Daniels, 31, at her home in Zephyr Cove.

Ms. Daniels is a former employee of the Tahoe Rim Trail group who pleaded guilty last month to taking more than $5,000 from the nonprofit organization.

She was sentenced to five years' probation and was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service and to pay $4,208 in restitution to the nonprofit group.

She said the beating left her blind in her right eye and deaf in her right ear.

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