Investigation underway after Elkhart inmate dies in cell

("Jail Cells" by My Southborough, CC BY-ND 2.0)

Authorities say a 51-year-old man who was under medical care at a northern Indiana jail has died after being found unresponsive in his cell.

The Elkhart County sheriff’s office says Brian Banister was being treated for an illness while being held on a preliminary charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and resisting law enforcement.

Medical personnel responded and an ambulance was called Saturday to the Elkhart County jail, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Details about the specific illness Banister had weren’t immediately released by authorities. An investigation is ongoing.