An investigation is ongoing into the death of an inmate who was found unresponsive after being booked at the Penobscot County Jail in Bangor on Saturday.

The person was arrested by Bangor police at approximately 11:50 a.m. and transported to the jail, according to the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office. The person’s identity has not been released.

Medical staff conducted a routine screening and intake process, the sheriff’s office said. Unable to post bail, the person remained in custody, was assigned a housing cell and continued communicating with correctional staff without issue.

At about 9:35 p.m., correctional officers discovered the person unresponsive in their cell during a routine inmate population check. Medical staff began lifesaving measures and were assisted by Bangor ambulance personnel, but the person could not be resuscitated, the sheriff’s office said.

Bangor police responded and investigated, the sheriff’s office said. A public information officer for the police department did not respond to messages seeking comment. Another official with the department referred the Portland Press Herald to the sheriff’s office.

Officials said the person was not involved in any reported fights with staff or other inmates. According to the sheriff’s office, preliminary information indicated the person had a medical event, but the cause and manner of death are under investigation. 

The sheriff’s office said the Maine Department of Corrections and the Maine Office of Chief Medical Examiner were also notified.