The Mason County Sheriff’s Office has been requested to conduct an independent investigation after a 29-year-old woman fell critically ill while in custody at the Thurston County Jail.
The Olympia resident, who was booked into the jail on an outstanding warrant on Aug. 10, remains in critical condition.
According to a release from the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO), medical staff initially evaluated the woman after she was booked and attributed her symptoms to narcotics withdrawal. Her condition deteriorated over the following days, prompting officials to transport her to a local hospital on the evening of Aug. 13 before transferring her to another facility to receive a higher level of care.
The contracted medical provider for the Thurston County Jail has since terminated the employment of a nurse who was involved in the woman’s care, the sheriff’s office confirmed.
TCSO requested the external investigation by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office due to the seriousness of the incident and the need for an impartial review. Thurston County officials said they will fully cooperate with the investigation.
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