Man, 21, dies after ingesting narcotics while booked at Colleton County jail

COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – A man being held at the Colleton County Jail has died after officials say he ingested illegal drugs before being booked.

The 21-year-old was taken to the jail Tuesday following a traffic stop by the Walterboro Police Department.

Officials with the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office said shortly after arriving at the jail, it was discovered during the booking process that the man had ingested drugs before he was brought to the facility.

“A Colleton County Detention Officer overheard the man discussing what he had done with another inmate, and they requested the jail nurse to examine him,” the sheriff’s office said. “He admitted to the jail nurse that he had consumed illegal narcotics, prompting immediate transport to Colleton County Medical Center for treatment.”

Due to the toxicity of the drugs he ingested, officials said he did not survive and died Wednesday afternoon.

Colleton County Sheriff Buddy Hill has asked the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to investigate. The department’s Office of Professional Standards will also conduct an internal review.