The inmate who died while in custody of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has been identified as Bruce Howard, 67.

Howard collapsed in a holding cell at the courthouse about 12:40 p.m. Monday while awaiting a court appearance, the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Sheriff’s Office said Howard was arrested Friday night by the Fountain Police Department and booked into the Criminal Justice Center on suspicion of third-degree assault, harassment and obstruction of telephone/telegraph service.

He was being held on $3,000 bond.

“This is an ongoing investigation. Any additional information regarding this incident will be released as it becomes available,” the sheriff’s statement said.

Sheriff’s spokeswoman Lt. Lari Sevene said it’s likely an autopsy will be performed.

“I would say yes based on the fact it was an in-custody death,” she said.

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Contact the writer: 636-0238 or pam.zubeck@gazettedev.gazette.com