LA Deputies Save Inmate Who Took Opioid: Video

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Five Los Angeles inmates were found unresponsive after they apparently took an opioid medication, forcing deputies to perform lifesaving efforts on at least one man, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said on Wednesday.

The incident happened on Dec. 5 when deputies discovered the inmates during a welfare check. Deputies began lifesaving efforts on a 19-year-old inmate after he was found to be no longer breathing, the department said.

All the inmates, who survived, underwent medical treatment efforts and were transported to a local hospital, the department said.

An early investigation determined one inmate was in possession of an opioid medication called Fentanyl. It is believed he shared the potentially deadly drug with the four other inmates in the holding cell, apparently believing it was methamphetamine, officials said.

--Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department