Susanville man dies while being released from Lassen County Jail, officials say

A 55-year-old man died last week after suffering a medical emergency while being released from the Lassen County Jail, according to authorities.

Robert Wayne Simpson had been arrested Aug. 14 by Susanville police on suspicion of disturbing the peace, according to a statement issued by the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday. Susanville officers determined Simpson was under the influence of drugs and booked him into jail in town, where he was expected to be released by deputies after sobering up.

Shortly after signing a citation and while being escorted through the jail’s vehicle sally port for release by deputies, Simpson experienced a medical emergency, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Jail medical staff responded immediately, and personnel from the Susanville Fire Department and an ambulance service arrived “within minutes.”

Despite efforts to revive him, Simpson was pronounced dead.

Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the incident and the Sheriff’s Office said that an external law enforcement agency would also conduct a separate review to examine the circumstances surrounding Simpson’s death.