An inmate at the Santa Barbara County Northern Branch Jail in Santa Maria has died of a suspected overdose. The incident began yesterday morninng just before 8 o’clock. Deputies responded to a welfare check. They contacted a man who was found to be in violation of his parole. He was arrested and placed in an observation cell. He became unresponsive a short time later. Deputies performed life-saving measures. The suspect regained consciousness and was taken to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. An investigation is ongoing.
