A woman who was arrested for public intoxication Friday morning died hours later in Santa Monica jail of an apparent suicide.
At 2:29 a.m., a Santa Monica Police officer arrested a female at the corner of Second Street and Hill Street. She was intoxicated and was unable to care for her own safety. She was taken to the Santa Monica Jail and booked for public intoxication and resisting arrest. Her bail was set at $500.
While in her jail cell, the woman was later found unconscious by the jailer and an officer. CPR was immediately administered and Santa Monica Fire Department Paramedics were notified.
The woman was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. Evidence within the jail cell indicates a possible suicide, however final cause of death determination will be made by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office after an autopsy is conducted.
Santa Monica Police Lt. Frank Fabrega said it unknown how old the woman was or what evidence indicated that the cause of death was a suicide.
The identity of the subject will not be released until next of kin have been notified.
The Robbery and Homicide Unit of the Santa Monica Police Department is handling the investigation.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 19, 2002. Read the original PDF.