Santa Barbara, Calif. – An inmate has died at a local hospital after being found unresponsive at the Main Jail. The inmate had been booked at the jail on Thursday, August 31, 2023, by the Sheriff’s Office for driving under the influence resulting in injury (felony), reckless driving (misdemeanor), and hit and run with injuries (felony). He was being held on $100,000 bail. The inmate was housed in a single observation cell due to medical concerns including alcohol detox and was being checked by staff at regular intervals.

Shortly after midnight on Sunday, September 3, 2023, Custody Deputies found the inmate unresponsive in his cell. Custody staff along with WellPath medical staff began life saving measures including CPR and placement of an automated external defibrillator (AED). County Fire and American Medical Response (AMR) were summoned and responded to the jail facility. Paramedics continued life-saving measures and the inmate was transported to an area hospital where he died hours later.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office are conducting multiple investigations into the in-custody death, including a Coroner investigation. Additional information will be released once family members have been notified of the death and upon the conclusion of the investigation.