Man attempts suicide in Perrysburg jail cell
5/16/2013The investigation into a man's attempted suicide while in the custody of Perrysburg Township police has been turned over to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification.
The man, who authorities said survived the attempt, was eventually admitted to Toledo Hospital after the incident. Both township authorities and BCI officials declined to release his name late Wednesday.
Perrysburg Township Administrator Walt Celley said the man was found unconscious during booking, but would not comment on the incident.
"We wouldn't investigate ourselves. That would be irresponsible," he said.
The incident occurred Tuesday night at a Perrysburg Township police holding cell at the police station in the 26600 block of Lime City Road between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., Mr. Celley said. The victim was being held on suspicion of theft and assault, Mr. Celley said.
The man was originally treated by the Perrysburg Township EMT's and fire department and transported to St. Luke's Hospital before being transported to Toledo Hospital.
Mr. Celley did say the holding cells are about 6-by-10 feet with a toilet, bunk, and only a few amenities. It is not an overnight cell, and it is used to detain people who are booked and waiting to be transported to the Wood County jail.
"They are usually only in there for two to three hours and are checked on every 15 minutes," Mr. Celley said. "We've never had anything like this happen. It is bizarre."