ST. LOUIS — A male detainee died Saturday at the Downtown jail, but the circumstances weren't yet clear.
Officials said he died around 7 a.m. at the City Justice Center, 200 South Tucker Boulevard.
"Our priority is to complete the investigation, continue to update the family, and respect their privacy," Conner Kerrigan, a city spokesperson, said in a news release. "We will share additional information as appropriate once it becomes available.â€
The Rev. Darryl Gray, chairperson of the Detention Facilities Oversight Board, said he was contacted about the death. He said an official told him that the detainee, who had not yet been placed in general population, went into cardiac arrest.
Gray said the oversight board is seeking more information.
“Based on the alarming number of deaths that have occurred there over the last couple years, this is a priority for us,†Gray said by telephone. “It’s important for us to find out as much as we can.â€