INDIO: Inmate who died while in custody identified as Coachella resident

UPDATE: Friday, Dec. 29, 3:52 p.m.

INDIO — Officials have identified a man who reportedly died while in custody after suffering an unspecified medical emergency, Wednesday, Dec. 27.

Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s officials identified Michael Mijarez, 44, of Coachella, as the inmate who died after being transported to an area hospital.

The victim was rushed to the hospital after correctional staff working at the jail were directed to an inmate who was “in need of medical assistance,” Riverside Sheriff’s Captain Misty Reynolds explained in a written press release after the victim’s death.

Although Mijarez was transported to John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, his condition continued declining.

“Despite advanced medical treatment, the inmate was pronounced deceased on Dec. 27, at 4:08 p.m.,” said Reynolds, who added, “There was no indication of foul play in this incident.”

Officials have not specified the nature of Mijarez’ medical crisis or why victim was incarcerated; however, an online jail records search indicated the man was arrested by Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies assigned to patrol Coachella, Dec. 17. He was arrested in the area of Harrison Street and Park Lane in Coachella.

He was later booked into Indio Jail on suspicion of resisting arrest, possession of narcotics, possession of paraphernalia, being under the influence of a controlled substance, failure to pay a fine and driving on the wrong side of the roadway.

Officials have not speculated what might have led to his death.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Berryman at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station at (760) 863-8990. Callers can refer to incident file number IC173610001 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s Homicide Tipline online form.

 

INDIO — Officials are investigating after an inmate died while in custody, Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 27.

Officials rushed the male inmate who was “in need of medical assistance,” to John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Indio for medical treatment after correctional staff found him experiencing an unspecified medical crisis in a holding cell, Riverside Sheriff’s Captain Misty Reynolds explained after the man’s death.

At 8:13 a.m., correctional staff were directed to a male inmate in an inmate holding area of the Riverside County jail in Indio, according to Reynolds.

“Deputies and medical staff assigned to the jail responded, immediately assessed the inmate, and provided preliminary medical treatment,” Reynolds explained. Based on the inmate’s condition, medical personnel recommended the inmate be transported to an area hospital.

After the man was transported to John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, his condition continued declining.

“Despite advanced medical treatment, the inmate was pronounced deceased on Dec. 27, at 4:08 p.m.,” said Reynolds, who added, “There was no indication of foul play in this incident.”

After the man’s death, investigators from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Thermal Station and the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Bureau responded to the jail and hospital to conduct a death investigation.

Officials have not specified the nature of the inmate’s medical crisis or what might have led to his death and the man’s identity is being withheld pending notification of his family.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Berryman at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station at (760) 863-8990. Callers can refer to incident file number IC173610001 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s Homicide Tipline online form.

 

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Trevor Montgomery, who recently moved from Riverside County to Shasta County, runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes for Riverside County based newspapers Valley News, The Valley Chronicle and Anza Valley Outlook as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County.

Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident.

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations, including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center and Lake Elsinore Station, along with other locations.