SAN DIEGO (CNS) - A 24-year-old woman who succumbed to some type of medical emergency -- possibly a drug overdose -- and became gravely ill after being arrested in University City last week died in a hospital today, authorities reported.
Aleah Jenkins was pronounced dead at UCSD Medical Center nine days after being taken into custody, according to San Diego police.
On the afternoon of Nov. 27, Jenkins was riding in a vehicle that was pulled over in the 3700 block of La Jolla Village Drive, Lt. Matt Dobbs said.
After determining that she was the subject of an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for possession of methamphetamine, officers arrested Jenkins. While still at the scene of the traffic stop, Jenkins became ill and vomited.
"The officers called for paramedics, but (Jenkins) said she had only had an upset stomach, so medics were canceled," Dobbs said.
Jenkins was then taken to downtown SDPD headquarters, where, while being processed for booking into county jail, she passed out, according to police.
"Officers immediately began lifesaving efforts and called for medical assistance," the lieutenant said.
Paramedics took over the emergency aid and rushed Jenkins in for hospital care.
"During the course of the medical intervention, controlled substances were found concealed in (Jenkins') clothing," Dobbs said this afternoon.
"At this point, there is no indication any force was used on (her)."
A cause-of-death ruling will remain on hold pending autopsy results.
Police, however, believe that Jenkins may have suffered a drug overdose, according to Dobbs.
The officers who conducted the traffic stop during which Jenkins was taken into custody have been identified as Nicholas Casciola and Jason Taub. A third, Officer Lawrence Durbin, helped transport her following her arrest, Dobbs said.
