DTLA jail substance exposure leaves inmates and deputies hospitalized

LOS ANGELES - Two separate incidents at Men's Central Jail Tuesday caused seven inmates and seven deputies to be hospitalized after being exposed to an unknown substance, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.

Paramedics first responded to the jail located in the 400 block of East Bauchet Street just before 7 a.m.

SkyFOX over the scene showed a large response with several ambulances outside the jail in downtown Los Angeles. A triage center was also set up as a precaution, but it was not used. 

The seven inmates were apparently exposed to an unidentified substance in Dorm 5600 at the secured sheriff's facility, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. 

One inmate was in critical condition and the six others in serious condition.

Just before 3 p.m., seven deputies were taken to local hospitals as a precaution after experiencing symptoms potentially related to today’s earlier suspected overdose incident, the sheriff's department said in a statement.

All were conscious and in stable condition. The deputies were in the process of searching the housing dorm and making it safe prior to repopulating when some started to experience symptoms.

"We are deeply concerned about these recent incidents and are committed to preventing illicit substances from entering our jail facilities utilizing mail scanners, body scanners, and scent-detection K9s. Searches of persons entering the jails have been enhanced with the addition of custody K-9 teams which help detect narcotics in our custody facilities," the department stated.

Earlier this month, authorities responded to this same jail on a report of possible overdoses involving an "unknown white powder." One inmate died and seven others were hospitalized.

RELATED COVERAGE: 1 dead, 7 hospitalized following possible overdose at LA jail

The inmates were in the reception area, in one of the holding cells used to keep them until they are transported to court or other facilities, when they began showing symptoms of overdose. 

Overdoses account for 20% of county jail deaths, according to reports presented to the LA County Supervisors. The board has demanded more accountability from the sheriff's department when it comes to drugs entering the prison system, especially the highly toxic fentanyl. 

Officials said they also hope to get more body scanners - like the ones at the airport - to help further crackdown on narcotics being brought in and distributed in facilities.