January 8, 2023 – Santa Maria, CA – On Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at approximately 7:49 a.m., Deputy Sheriff’s from the Santa Maria Station responded to the 800-block of Redwood Avenue in 
Orcutt for a check-the-welfare. During the call, the deputies contacted the suspect who was found to be in violation of his conditions of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Parole. The suspect attempted to walk away but was ultimately arrested and transported to the Northern Branch Jail.
While at the jail, the suspect began to resist Custody Deputies and was escorted to a cell for observation. During the placement in the cell, the suspect became unresponsive, and Custody Deputies quickly began life-saving measures including one round of Naloxone. When Wellpath medical arrived, additional rounds of Naloxone were administered and suspect regained consciousness.
County Fire and American Medical Response (AMR) responded. When AMR arrived, the suspect was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Bureau and the Coroner’s Office are investigating the in-custody death. The deceased inmate has been identified as 33-year-old Jaime Angel Gonzalez from Santa Maria.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to highlight this incident as an example of the danger of fentanyl use, the importance of carrying naloxone, and recognizing the signs of overdose which may include:
- Difficult to wake up
- Slowed Breathing
- Confusion
- Blue or pale lips and fingernails
If you notice these signs, call 911 immediately and give naloxone. For more information about fentanyl overdose, the signs of overdose and how to get naloxone, visit fentanylisforeversb.org.
The Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide additional updates upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Source: Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office
