Scottsdale Police investigating death of inmate at city jail
Apr 19, 2019, 11:15 AM | Updated: 11:52 am
(Flickr/Neil Conway)
(Flickr/Neil Conway)
PHOENIX — The Scottsdale Police Department is investigating the death of an inmate at the city jail, the department announced.
According to authorities, 53-year-old Matthew Chase died at the city jail early Thursday morning.
Chase had been arrested on Wednesday without incident and was transported to the jail where he was booked. Chase remained in a cell throughout the night with jail staff present.
“There was never any physical interaction or struggle with police personnel during his arrest and detention,” according to the police press release.
Early Thursday, staffers noticed Chase was bleeding from his nose, but the man refused medical assistance. At this time, Chase was standing and alert.
The Scottsdale Fire Department was called despite Chase’s refusal for medical attention.
Before fire personnel arrived, Chase lost consciousness and fell to the ground. Responders initiated life-saving efforts before transporting the inmate to a nearby hospital. Chase was later pronounced dead.
Authorities believe it was a medical event that led to Chase’s death. The final determination will come from the Maricopa County Medical Examiner.
