A man from Mississippi, who faced two arrests within a single month—once for reportedly arriving intoxicated to bail out a friend accused of driving under the influence and again for his own alleged DUI—has died while in custody, authorities report.
Felix Marquez Bartolo was found dead in his jail cell on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., according to a statement from Magee Police Chief Denis Borges.
At the time of his death, Bartolo was alone in his cell, and emergency procedures were “immediately initiated,” according to police sources.
Authorities do not suspect foul play. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has been enlisted to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
His death occurred just two days after his most recent arrest, which included several charges such as DUI, failing to follow traffic signs, and not wearing a seatbelt, as previously reported by the Magee Police Department on Facebook.
Additionally, police noted that Bartolo was allegedly driving without a valid driver’s license or proof of insurance.
Earlier, on August 22, Bartolo reportedly came to the Magee Police Station intoxicated to post bail for a friend arrested on DUI charges, leading to an arrest for public intoxication.
In both of his mugshots, Bartolo appeared with a similar disheveled look and wearing the same open-collared shirt.
The news of Bartolo’s passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences, alongside concerns regarding his health condition while being held in detention.
“I know Felix as a regular customer where I work, just a gentle soul!! Sending heartfelt condolences to his family,” one commenter shared under the police department’s post.
“Is it safe and responsible to leave an alcoholic alone in a cell?” another user questioned, expressing worries over the risks of alcohol withdrawal.
At the time of publication, a representative from the Magee Police Department was unavailable for comments.
