Rohnert Park Man Dies In Custody At Sonoma County Jail

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A Rohnert Park man died Tuesday while in custody at the Sonoma County jail, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.

A correctional deputy was making rounds at 4:48 p.m. Tuesday when she found Benjamin Vega, 43, of Rohnert Park, hanging in his single jail cell, according to sheriff's Spokesman Juan Valencia.

Multiple correctional deputies began performing CPR in an attempt to save Vega's life, and staff called for an ambulance, Valencia said.

Emergency medical personnel pronounced Vega dead at the scene.

Suicide is suspected but the death was still under investigation, Valencia said Thursday in an email to Patch.

Vega was booked into jail Saturday by the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety on suspicion of domestic violence, false imprisonment, criminal threats, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery and committing a felony while out on bail.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Investigation and Crime Scene Investigation were summoned to conduct an investigation.

A separate, independent investigation of the death is being conducted by the Marin County Coroner's Office pursuant to the countywide in-custody death protocol, Valencia said.

"The Sheriff’s Office would like to send our condolences to Vega’s family and friends during this difficult time," Valencia said.

Editor's Note: If you are struggling with thoughts of taking your own life or someone you know is, please contact the North Bay Suicide Prevention Hotline of Sonoma County at 855-587-6373 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which operates 24 hours a day and can be reached at 800-273-8255.