Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Robbery/Homicide Unit
Department of Detention and Corrections
- Detention Investigation Unit (DIU)

Luis B. Nieves (Deceased Inmate)
DOB: 04/22/1961
Address: 205 Dempsey Road, Palm Harbor

What:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery and Homicide Unit are investigating an in custody death at the Pinellas County Jail.

When:
The inmate died at about 10:48 p.m. on Monday, June 11, 2018.

Where:
The inmate was found unresponsive at the Pinellas County Jail located at 14400 49^th Street North in Clearwater.

Why/How:
According to detectives, at about 7:43 p.m. on Monday, June 11, 2018, deputies were called to a residence located at 178 Margie Street in Palm Harbor, for a battery. Upon their arrival, deputies conducted an investigation into the complaint and arrested 57-year-old Luis Nieves for one count of Felony Battery and Possession of Cocaine.

Deputies told detectives Nieves was intoxicated and he admitted to drinking whiskey. Nieves never informed deputies he needed medical attention or showed signs that he was in medical distress.

Detectives say Nieves was placed alone in the back of a G4S transport van and was transported to the Pinellas County Jail located at 14400 49^th Street North, Clearwater.

At about 10:10 p.m., the transport van arrived at the jail Sally Port and Nieves was found unresponsive in the back of the vehicle. Jail medical staff responded and performed Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on Nieves.

Nieves was transported to Largo Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased at about 10:48 p.m.

Detectives say there were no obvious signs of injuries on Nieves’ person and no incidents of confrontation or use of force. His death does not appear to be suspicious in nature.

The Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death.

The investigation continues.

Luis Nieves previous booking photo (2014)