Inmate Who Died In Jail Was Wearing Pacemaker
Coeur d’Alene police are investigating the death of an inmate Monday evening at the Kootenai County Jail.
Pete Cunningham, 27, collapsed about 8:30 p.m. while playing a game of basketball in the jail’s recreation area, said police Lt. Don Jiran.
Cunningham was wearing a pacemaker because of a congenital heart condition, Jiran said.
When Cunningham collapsed, inmates notified jail personnel, who administered CPR until paramedics arrived.
Medical workers tried to revive Cunningham for 30 minutes before declaring him dead, Jiran said.
Coeur d’Alene police are investigating the incident for the Kootenai County sheriff. It’s standard procedure to have an outside agency investigate such deaths.
Sheriff’s officials would not comment on the case because it remains under investigation. However, “I think we have excellent health care,” said Capt. Travis Chaney, head of the jail bureau.
He said inmates are given an initial health assessment when they arrive at the jail and then a more thorough health appraisal after spending 14 days there.
Cunningham was arrested and booked into the jail Feb. 18 because of several outstanding warrants. He was wanted for failing to appear in court for a fishing and hunting license charge, for a parole violation for driving with a suspended license and for a possession of marijuana charge.
, DataTimes