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SUFFOLK

An inmate recently booked into Western Tidewater Regional Jail died after experiencing a medical emergency at the jail the morning of Feb. 19.

The medical emergency happened at 8:17 a.m., according to an email from Lt. Col. Ernest Bower, deputy superintendent of the jail. “Regional jail staff administered life saving measures and Suffolk EMS responded and assisted,” the email stated. “The inmate was later pronounced deceased by Suffolk EMS.”

The inmate is a 52-year-old male, and identification is pending notification of next of kin. The investigation is ongoing by the jail staff and the Suffolk Police Department, the email stated.

Bower stated that the inmate was denied acceptance by the jail on Feb. 15 due to multiple health issues and sent to Sentara Obici Hospital for medical clearance. He returned to the jail a few hours later after getting that clearance from the hospital, and then died on Feb. 19.

Dale Gauding, senior communications advisor for Sentara Healthcare, stated, “Our board-certified emergency physicians provide thorough evaluation and treatment for all patients and work to ensure safe, appropriate discharges in every episode of care.”