By Gina Yarbrough
Vista, CA–A 46-year-old man in Sheriff’s custody passed away at the Vista Detention Facility on Saturday, authorities said.
Sheriff’s Department homicide investigators were notified of his death around 9 a.m. at the facility.
The man’s name is not being released at this time because Sheriff’s investigators are actively trying to locate and notify his family.
On December 24, the man told deputies he was having flu-like symptoms. He was seen by medical staff who ordered the appropriate tests. As a precaution, he was placed in medical isolation to ensure oversight of his symptoms and to prevent potential transmission to other incarcerated persons in custody.
On Saturday, around 8 a.m., while conducting their weekly hygiene inspection, deputies observed the man sitting on the floor of his cell. He was breathing but did not respond to the deputies. Approximately 10 minutes later, two medication assistance treatment deputies and a nurse contacted the individual in his cell. The nurse checked his vitals and offered him medication. While the nurse was talking to the man, he started having difficulty breathing and went into medical distress. Medical staff immediately provided emergency medical aid to the individual until relieved by Vista Fire Department personnel. Despite all efforts to save him, the man died and passed away.
The man was taken into custody on November 25 on a felony warrant for bringing controlled substances into a jail or prison. At the time of his arrest, he was believed to reside in Escondido.
“The San Diego Sheriff’s Office extends our sympathies to the man’s family and those affected by his passing. A Sheriff’s Family Liaison Officer will support the family as they deal with their loss,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in the department’s news release.
The Citizen’s Law Enforcement Review Board representative was notified of the incident.
As is the protocol for all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit responded and will conduct a thorough investigation. The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
