An investigation is underway after a 68-year-old man died while in custody at the San Diego Central Jail. The man, who had been detained since July 8, 2024, on multiple drug-related charges, including transportation, sales, and possession of controlled substances, was found in medical distress by jail staff and later pronounced deceased at a local hospital, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.
During their routine hourly rounds yesterday, the medical staff at the jail noticed the man exhibiting signs of distress. He was in the Medical Observation Unit due to his chronic health conditions and his refusal to seek treatment for certain issues. During the assessment by deputies and a medical doctor, it was determined that the man needed immediate hospitalization. In the course of preparing for his transport, the man subsequently became unresponsive, prompting the start of CPR. Falck Ambulance and the San Diego Fire Department personnel responded, but despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at 4:02 a.m.
The name of the deceased has not been released as officials are in the process of notifying the next of kin, and a Sheriff's Family Liaison Officer is assisting the family during this difficult time. The Citizen's Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) has been informed of the incident as the Sheriff's Homicide Unit commences its investigation to determine the cause and manner of the inmate's death, which the Medical Examiner's Office will subsequently decide.
