SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A 68-year-old man who was in the custody of the San Diego County Sheriff's Office died in a local hospital early Friday morning after suffering "medical distress" in his cell, investigators said. The man had been in custody since July 8, 2024, facing multiple drug-related charges, including transportation, sales and possession of controlled substances. He had been placed in the Medical Observation Unit at the San Diego Central Jail due to chronic medical conditions and did not want treatment for certain issues, according to SDSO. Inmates are among firefighters battling Los Angeles’ wildfires: Here’s why According to SDSO, medical staff were performing their routine rounds in the jail around 1:09 a.m. Friday when they saw the man showing signs of medical distress inside his cell. Deputies were called and, along with medical staff, entered the man's cell to evaluate his condition, SDSO stated. They ultimately determined the man needed to be taken to the hospital. While preparing him for transport, the man became unresponsive, prompting authorities to conduct CPR until San Diego Fire-Rescue and emergency medical personnel arrived and took over life-saving measures, SDSO said. The man was transported to the hospital via ambulance. However, the man was later pronounced dead at the hospital at 4:02 a.m., according to authorities. Third suspect arrested in connection with Lemon Grove shooting The man's identity is currently being withheld pending family notification. The Citizen's Law Enforcement Review Board has been notified about the incident, and in accordance with the protocol for all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff's Homicide Unit is leading a thorough investigation. The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the cause and manner of death, SDSO said.