ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The St. Louis Police Department is investigating another death of a detainee at the City Justice Center.
The Force Investigative Unit was noticed Saturday night just after 11:30 about the death. A preliminary report indicates before 8:30 Saturday night, there was a physical altercation between two detainees in the same cell.
Police say, immediately following the altercation, 31-year old Samuel Hayes Junior failed to comply with orders from corrections staff and was placed in a restraint chair.
Around 10:00 Saturday night, Hayes was found unresponsive, was taken to the hospital, and pronounced dead.
The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer released the following statement:
"While the facts are being gathered, my office is committed to ensuring accountability and a full review of the circumstances surrounding this incident.
I have been clear about my commitment to ensuring the safety of those in our care at the jail and reforming the jail is one of my top priorities.
We will continue to support and await the Saint Louis Police Department's thorough investigation and final report."
SLMPD’s Force Investigations Unit is responsible for investigating all in-custody deaths and deadly force incidents involving law enforcement that occur within the City of St. Louis. Detectives will conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation and prepare a full report.