Medical Incident at Bartholomew County Jail Under Investigation

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The Indiana State Police are investigating a medical incident at the Bartholomew County Jail after a female inmate was found unconscious in her cell on Saturday afternoon. Corrections officers discovered the woman on the floor and provided initial medical care before she was transported to a local hospital in serious condition. Authorities say no foul play is suspected, and they are working to determine how the inmate became unresponsive.

Why it matters

Incidents involving inmate health and safety in county jails are closely monitored, as they can raise concerns about the quality of medical care and supervision provided to those in custody. This investigation will aim to provide transparency around the circumstances and ensure proper protocols were followed.

The details

According to the Indiana State Police, the incident occurred around 1 p.m. on Saturday when corrections officers at the Bartholomew County Jail checked on a female inmate and found her unconscious on the floor of her cell. Staff immediately began providing medical assistance and called for emergency medical services, who transported the woman to Columbus Regional Hospital in serious condition. Authorities say the inmate was alone in her cell at the time and that no foul play is suspected. An investigation is now underway to determine how the inmate became unresponsive.

• The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

What’s next

The investigation by the Indiana State Police is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the inmate's medical emergency and whether proper protocols were followed by jail staff.