Inmate dies at Coconino County Page Detention Facility

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - According to a press release issued by the Coconino County Sheriff's Office, James Tso, 45, of Bitter Springs died in the early morning hours of June 3 while in the custody of the Coconino County Sheriff's Page Detention Facility. Tso was arrested May 30 for failure to comply with a warrant from the Page City Magistrate Court. His death is under investigation by Coconino County Sheriff's detectives and investigators of the Coconino Medical Examiner's Office.

According to the press release, Coconino County Sheriff's detention officers discovered Tso unresponsive at about 5:07 a.m. during breakfast and immediately initiated CPR. Page police officers arrived and assisted detention officers, however Tso did not respond. Due to obvious signs of death, Tso was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The press release stated that Tso had been diagnosed with a prior congestive heart failure condition that was being treated by local physicians. Due to his medical condition, police officers transported Tso to the Page Hospital on the day of his arrest for a medical clearance prior to incarceration. The attending physician prescribed a variety of medication that was being administered by detention officers.

No signs of blunt trauma or foul play were discovered during the initial investigation. The cause of death is pending results of the autopsy.