Possible narcotics overdose under investigation at Kosciusko County Jail

A possible narcotics overdose Saturday at the Kosciusko County Jail is being investigated.

According to a news release from the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, a KCJ inmate was treated for the potential overdose Saturday morning. Prison officers were alerted to the inmate not responding shortly before 5am. In addition to first aid procedures, naloxone was immediately administered by prison staff. The inmate regained consciousness and was taken to an area hospital where he was assessed and returned to jail, the statement said.

On Thursday night, emergency crews were also at the KCJ for an inmate with an unknown medical emergency. As a precaution, the release says, naloxone was administered, however, the inmate has a pre-existing medical condition. The detainee was transported to an area hospital where he refused to receive medical treatment.

The names of the detainees have not been released.

Throughout the weekend, a thorough search of the prison, including the use of dogs, was conducted, the statement said.

Counter Narcotics Team 43 (NET 43) is assisting in the ongoing investigation. Sheriff Kyle Dukes commends prison staff for their “immediate response and unwavering dedication,” according to the press release.

Saturday’s possible narcotics overdose is not the first time there has been an overdose at the KCJ.

Dennis McCrory died in prison on March 9, 2019 from an overdose. Investigators have determined that another inmate, Christopher Susaraba, then 28, of Mishawaka, had methamphetamine and heroin in his body cavity prior to his incarceration. In 2021, Susaraba was found guilty by a jury of trafficking a controlled substance causing death and trafficking an inmate while incarcerated and was sentenced to 40 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections.

Although not drug-related, a North Webster man died in the county jail a month after McCrory. The cause of death of Christopher A. Hinson, 42, on April 8 was ruled suicide by hanging. Indiana State Police investigated Hinson’s death after he was discovered unconscious in his cell around 1 p.m. on April 8. Hinson was in prison for meth possession and meth trafficking.