Indian Tribal Leader Dies In Strip Club Confrontation

Gabriel Pico, Bouncer Involved In Altercation

Posted: 09/05/2008
Last Updated: 1721 days ago

A California tribal leader who was injured in a physical confrontation with three strip club bouncers in Denver has died.

Police said 41-year-old Gabriel Pico of Temecula suffered unspecified injuries during the altercation at 1:45 a.m., Saturday, outside the Diamond Cabaret strip club at 1222 Glenarm Place.

According to police, Pico was involved in a confrontation with the three strip club employees outside the business when "fell on the ground and lost consciousness."

Coroner's officials said Pico was pronounced dead at 8:20 p.m. Monday at Denver Health Medical Center, but they haven't ruled yet on a cause of death.

The Pechanga Band of LuiseIno Indians in Southern California said Pico suffered a heart attack.

Pico was elected in July as a member of the Pechanga Tribal Council. The tribe said he was in Denver to attend some events connected with the Democratic National Convention but wasn't a delegate.