Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the death of an inmate in the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.
Jail officials said a VPRJ officer found an inmate unresponsive during a security round 1 a.m. Sunday.
“The officer immediately declared a medical emergency and EMS and the James City County Police Department responded,” according to a news release from VPRJ.
Jail staff performed CPR on the inmate. They also used an automated external defibrillator, or AED, prior to the arrival of EMS, officials said.
The inmate was taken to the hospital – and was later pronounced dead.
Jail officials said the inmate reported to VPRJ on Friday “and was processed at Intake in accordance with VPRJ’s COVID-19 screening procedures.”
“At this time, there is no reason to suspect that this death is related to COVID-19,” officials wrote in a news release.
Jail officials said they are awaiting results from the preliminary autopsy report to determine the cause of death.
“As with all in custody deaths, this event will require investigation and review by the Department of Corrections,” officials said.
The identity of the inmate was not immediately released.
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