Dripping Springs man dies in Hays County Jail

An inmate at the Hays County Jail died after suffering a medical emergency, according to the Hays County Sheriff ’s Office.

Officials said a medical emergency was called for an inmate — later identified as James Warren Knight, 41, of Dripping Springs — on Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 4:58 p.m. HCSO added that Knight was transported to a local hospital after he was seen by jail medical staff.

Hospital staff attempted treatment, but Knight was pronounced dead on Wednesday at 5:59 a.m., officials said. His cause of death is still unknown.

The Sheriff ’s Office stated that a preliminary investigation does not indicate foul play, but autopsy results are still pending.

The incident is currently under investigation by the Texas Rangers, a division of the Texas Department of Public Safety which conducts major violent crime, public corruption, cold case and officer-involved shooting investigations.

Knight was in custody at the county jail for multiple charges out of Hays County, including resisting arrest/search or transport, a Class A misdemeanor; unlawful carrying of a weapon, a Class A misdemeanor; criminal mischief, a Class B misdemeanor; aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony; violation of protective order, a Class A misdemeanor; and tampering with ID number, a Class A misdemeanor. Knight also had a charge of possession of child pornography — a thirddegree felony — from the Austin Police Department.

The Hays County Jail is a 410-bed detention facility with 180 certified corrections or peace officers.