The family of a Pennsylvania man who died after being in police custody has filed a federal lawsuit against the borough of West Mifflin and several officers, claiming that they failed to provide adequate medical care. The lawsuit, filed on May 5, 2025, alleges that Timothy Duc Tho Vong, 31, was not given the necessary attention while he was in the custody of the West Mifflin Police Department, leading to his untimely death.
According to the civil complaint, Vong was arrested in the early morning hours of July 5, 2024, on public drunkenness charges after a physical altercation. He was reportedly assaulted and left at a gas station in West Mifflin. Just before 3 a.m., he attempted to seek medical assistance at nearby homes, prompting a call to the police.
When officers arrived, they found Vong with visible injuries to his face, head, and neck, including lacerations, bleeding, and bruising. Despite his condition, he was arrested rather than receiving medical attention. The lawsuit states that between 3:17 a.m. and 5:17 a.m., officers observed Vong struggling in the holding cell, calling for help, crawling on the floor, and exhibiting signs of severe pain. However, no officer provided any in-person checks on him during that time.
Vong remained in the holding cell until approximately 12:30 p.m., when he was discovered unresponsive on the floor. Alarmingly, the officers did not attempt to perform CPR, check for a pulse, or provide any first aid. This negligence reportedly allowed Vong to slip into a coma. He was transported to the hospital in critical condition but ultimately died three days later, on July 8, 2024. An autopsy later revealed that he died from untreated trauma to the face and head, which included abrasions, lacerations, swelling, bruising, and hemorrhaging.
“Why didn’t you help my cousin, dying on the floor in your cell? Why didn’t the officers who arrested him and put him there do anything?” asked Jonathan Nguyen, Vong's cousin, expressing the family's anguish over the incident. “He was crawling around for hours.”
Vong's family, represented by attorney Alec Wright, is seeking damages, although the amount has not been specified. They contend that the officers not only failed to comply with holding cell policies but also actively denied Vong the ability to obtain medical care while under their custody. “Timothy was known for his hard work ethic and his infectious sense of humor. He touched the lives of many with his kindness and generosity,” said a statement from a GoFundMe page set up in his memory.
In response to the lawsuit, West Mifflin officials have refrained from commenting, citing the pending litigation. Phil DiLucente, co-solicitor for West Mifflin Borough, stated, “No comment on behalf of the West Mifflin Borough including the police chief, borough manager, mayor and board members.”
Family and friends of Vong are calling for justice, expressing frustration that the individual responsible for the assault that led to his injuries remains at large. “The guy that killed him, the guy that hurt him, he's still out here just walking around like nothing ever happened while we've been mourning, suffering,” Nguyen lamented.
The Allegheny County police have completed their investigation into the incident and have forwarded their findings to the district attorney's office. However, a spokesperson for the district attorney's office has stated they cannot comment on the matter.
Vong's death has sparked outrage among community members and advocates who are demanding accountability from law enforcement. The tragic circumstances surrounding his passing raise critical questions about the treatment of individuals in police custody and the responsibilities of officers to ensure the health and safety of those they detain.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the family hopes to shed light on the events leading to Vong's death and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Advocates argue that police departments must prioritize the health and safety of individuals in their custody, ensuring that they receive necessary medical care without delay.
Vong was a father of two and was described by loved ones as fiercely protective of his family. His obituary highlighted his generosity and willingness to help others, traits that have left a lasting impression on those who knew him. The community is rallying around Vong's family, urging for justice and accountability from the police.
This case not only highlights the need for reform in police practices concerning medical care for detainees but also serves as a reminder of the human lives affected by systemic issues within law enforcement. As the family pursues justice, they hope to honor Vong's memory and advocate for change that could save lives in the future.
West Mifflin, located about a 10-mile drive southeast of Pittsburgh, is now facing scrutiny over its police department's handling of this tragic case. The outcome of the lawsuit may have broader implications for policing standards and practices in Pennsylvania and beyond.