PMZTue, 04 Feb 2025 14:34:38 +0000 11, 2016 Local News
Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - According to Jefferson County Sheriff's Office officials, an inmate, 26-year-old Aaron Sarles, of Imperial, died around 9 a.m. Monday, while awaiting transport to another county.
Sarles had been taken into custody during a traffic stop in the early morning hours of February 1, 2025, after officers discovered he had an active felony warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Upon arrival at the jail, Sarles underwent a routine body scan, which did not reveal any abnormalities or foreign objects. However, within hours of his detention, he became ill. He was transported to a hospital for evaluation, where medical personnel deemed him fit for confinement before he was returned to the jail.
Sarles' condition continued to deteriorate, prompting jail staff to relocate him to a different housing area for closer monitoring. While being prepared for transport, he suffered an apparent medical emergency and lost consciousness. Jail medical personnel administered life-saving measures until EMS arrived, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. Sarles was pronounced dead at a hospital.
The cause of death is currently under investigation by the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office. Meanwhile, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is reviewing video footage, conducting interviews, and examining documentation related to Sarles’ time in custody.
Authorities say additional details may be released as the investigation progresses.
