By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–A 35-year-old man in Sheriff’s custody at the San Diego Central Jail died Wednesday after being found unresponsive inside his cell, authorities said.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, sheriff’s homicide investigators were notified after the man was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The incident began Feb. 18 at approximately 4:30 a.m., when deputies and a facility nurse were distributing medication inside the jail. During their rounds, staff discovered the incarcerated man slumped over a table in his assigned cell and appeared to be in medical distress.
Deputies immediately called 9-1-1, requested additional medical personnel within the facility, and began life-saving measures. Paramedics, along with personnel from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, took over medical efforts upon arrival. The man was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 8:30 a.m., officials said.
Authorities said the man had been in custody since Feb. 12 and was facing charges of grand theft and violating a court order.
The man’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The Sheriff’s Office said a Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to assist the family.
The Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board was notified of the death. As is standard protocol in all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit is conducting an investigation.
The cause and manner of death will be determined by the County Medical Examiner’s Office.
