Inmate dies after collapsing at Southern California detention center

A 43-year-old inmate who collapsed late last month at a Southern California detention center died over the weekend, officials announced Wednesday.

The inmate identified by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department as Benjamin Medina of Fontana was in custody at the West Valley Detention Center on May 25 when he collapsed in a housing segment.

“Deputies and jail medical staff responded and performed life-saving measures, including CPR and the use of Narcan,” the Sheriff’s Department stated in a news release.

Medina regained a heartbeat after treatment and was taken to a local hospital but his health declined over the following days.

The Sheriff’s Department said Medina died at the hospital just before 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The Sheriff’s Department’s Specialized Investigations Division was assigned to the case and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Medina was arrested on March 15 after a probation check found him to be “in possession of marijuana and items related to honey oil production,” the Sheriff’s Department said.

Anyone with information regarding the case was asked to contact the Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.