HPD investigating inmate's death under unknown circumstances, sheriff's office says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Police Department is investigating an inmate's death, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Christopher Mendez, 47, suffered an apparent medical emergency on Tuesday, Dec. 16, and was taken to Ben Taub Hospital by ambulance, officials say.

Mendez, who was placed in Harris County Jail on a drug possession charge, died on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 7:28 a.m. of unknown causes, HCSO reports.

Officials say his death has been reported to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.

HPD is investigating the death in accordance with a state law that requires an outside law enforcement agency to investigate all jail deaths, the sheriff's office says.

HCSO is also investigating to determine whether all applicable policies and procedures were followed, which is standard following the death of a person in jail, they added.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine Mendez's cause of death.