Known Gang Member Dies at Benton Co. Jail

An inmate died in his cell Friday morning after Benton County deputies say numerous attempts were made to prevent him from hurting himself.

They say the known gang member held on several warrants was being assessed by mental health staff daily and kept in a special cell to prevent him from hurting himself.

Deputies say he was arrested by Kennewick police March 3^rd and was uncooperative at the time of his arrest and made attempts to damage property.  Officers say based on his behavior he was checked on every thirty minutes by prison staff.

Prison staff apparently found him unresponsive during one of these checks Friday around 7:30 a.m. They tried to bring him back, but he was pronounced dead.

His cause of death is unknown at this time and his name is being withheld until family is notified.

The regional Special Investigative Unit will conduct an independent investigation into the cause and manner of death.

The identity of the inmate will be released following the notification of next of kin.