American man dies in Border Patrol holding cell after being stopped at checkpoint
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The San Diego County Medical Examiner's office is investigating the cause of death of a man who collapsed in a Border Patrol holding cell on Christmas Eve after he was taken into custody for allegedly carrying three pounds of marijuana.
The Border Patrol said Saturday that the man, a U.S. citizen, was stopped at a checkpoint on Interstate 8, near the Mexican border.
He was taken to a holding cell after authorities said they found the marijuana, drug paraphernalia and traces of methamphetamine in his car.
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Soon afterward he collapsed. Paramedics were unable to revive him.
Border Patrol officials say they are cooperating with the investigation.
The man's sister told U-T San Diego he was in good health. He was identified as 58-year-old Steven Keith.