Inmate dies in custody at Lassen County Jail
Correction: Justin Poteete was found unresponsive in his cell at 11:16 a.m. Jan. 1, not 1:16 a.m. as originally reported. Lassen News regrets the error.
According to a statement from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, 41-year-old Justin Poteete was found unresponsive inside a single-occupancy cell about 11:16 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1.
Prior to discovery, the control officer attempted to contact Poteete via intercom, and no response was received. The control officer then requested an officer conduct a welfare check.
Upon entering the cell, the officer observed unresponsive Poteete lying on his left side on the lower bunk. The officer immediately called for assistance. Additional custody staff and jail nursing personnel responded, and life-saving measures were initiated by custody staff and continued upon the arrival of nursing staff.
The control officer requested emergency medical services. Fire department and ambulance personnel arrived on scene and assumed life-saving efforts. Despite continued medical intervention, Poteete was pronounced deceased by a physician at 11:52 a.m.
There were no signs of foul play or suicide observed at the scene. Poteete’s family has been notified.
Poteete was arrested Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, charged with multiple counts of criminal storage of firearms and child abuse. These charges stemmed from an incident in which a 2-year-old child obtained a handgun and accidentally shot themself in the stomach. The child is currently recovering in the hospital.
According to the statement, “This has been a series of tragic events, and we extend our condolences to all those affected. The case is under investigation by the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office Detective Unit and remains ongoing. An autopsy is being conducted by the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.”
Information related to the investigation will be provided to the California Department of Justice and the Board of State and Community Corrections In-Custody Death Review Team.
