By SDCN Editor
Vista, CA–The Sheriff’s Department released the identity of the man who died at the Vista Detention Facility on December 28.
Sheriff’s homicide investigators were notified that 46-year-old Bobby Ray Patton, an individual in Sheriff’s custody, passed away at the facility.
On December 24, Patton told deputies he was having flu-like symptoms. He was seen by medical staff who ordered the appropriate tests. As a precaution, Patton was placed in medical isolation to ensure oversight of his symptoms and to prevent potential transmission to other incarcerated persons in custody.
On December 28, around 8 a.m., while conducting their weekly hygiene inspection, deputies observed Patton 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 Patton in his cell. The nurse checked his vitals and offered him medication. While the nurse was talking to Patton, he started having difficulty breathing and went into medical distress. Medical staff immediately provided emergency medical aid until relieved by Vista Fire Department personnel. Despite all efforts to save him, Patton passed away, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Patton was taken into custody on November 25 on a felony warrant for bringing controlled substances into a jail. At the time of his arrest, he was believed to reside in Escondido.
On December 30, the Medical Examiner’s Office completed an autopsy of Patton. The Medical Examiner was unable to determine the cause and manner of death during the initial autopsy.
