7 women at Estrella Jail hospitalized after overdosing

Seven incarcerated people have been hospitalized after overdosing at the Estrella Jail in Phoenix, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

The Estrella Jail has a capacity of approximately 1,500 and houses only women.

Sheriff's Office spokesperson Calbert Gillette said "all the inmates were alert and breathing upon transport" to the hospital.

Capt. Joe Huggins said Phoenix Fire Department crews transported three of the women on Friday morning for reports of a "possible overdose on an unknown substance."

"The call was dispatched around 10:30 a.m. when facility staff requested medical evaluation for three female patients," Huggins said. "On arrival, crews made contact with three females presenting with an altered mental status. All three patients were treated with advanced life support measures and transported to a local hospital in stable condition."

Huggins said three fire trucks and three ambulances were dispatched to the jail. It remains unclear how the other four women were taken to the hospital.

In a statement issued late Friday afternoon, Sheriff Paul Penzone said all seven women were expected to recover.

The sheriff said jail staff conducted a comprehensive search for any and all contraband.

"Early indications point towards the likelihood of drug overdose," Penzone said. "It is yet to be determined how the drugs were acquired and distributed."

Have a news tip on Arizona jails? Reach the reporter at jjenkins@arizonarepublic.com or at 812-243-5582. Follow him on Twitter @JimmyJenkins.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 7 women at Estrella Jail in Phoenix hospitalized after overdosing