UPDATE – JAIL INMATE ATTEMPTS SUICIDE TUESDAY AFTERNOON
The Washington County EMS was dispatched to the County Jail Tuesday afternoon at about 2:25 for the report of an apparent suicide attempt by one of the inmates. County Sheriff Otto Hanak says that a 30 year old male had been arrested by the Brenham Police Department on criminal charges and was transported to the jail late Tuesday morning.
According to Sheriff Hanak, the initial screening of the individual indicated that he may be an at risk inmate. A subsequent interview conducted by MHMR found him not to be an immediate danger to himself or others. Jail personnel found the inmate unconscious during a routine check at 2:20 PM and immediately began CPR. The inmate was able to be revived, and was transported by EMS to Scott and White Hospital Brenham where he was treated and released back to the County Jail. Sheriff Hanak says that due to HIPA rules as well as jail regulations, no other information about the incident can be released at this time.
Full Press Release from the Washington County Sheriff's Office:
According to Sheriff Otto Hanak, on Tuesday Feb. 6, 2018, a 30 year old inmate at the Washington County Jail made a failed attempt at suicide. Due to jail protocol this individual received an initial screening before coming into the jail at which time it was determined he was an at risk individual. Because of the findings a screening of this individual was conducted by MHMR and found to not be an immediate danger to himself or other. After the suicide attempt, this inmate was transported to a local hospital by EMS, treated and later released to the custody of the Washington County jail where he remains. The inmate had been arrested earlier in the day by the Brenham Police Department on felony charges.
Due to HIPA rules and regulations as well as jail regulations, no other information about this can be released at this time.
Prayers have been said and will continue for you. I hope that you are told that prayers are being prayed for you to have strength to accept your future. Many of us who know you or have briefly met you know that a short moment of bad judgement has changed your life forever. We know that you would in a blink trade place with any victims that you have affected. Please be strong. We will continue to pray for you to have strength in not only our prayers but in your prayers too. May God Bless You in this time of tragedy to have this strength.
The whole state of Texas does the bare minimum for people in need of mental health help, unfortunately they would just keep him the next few days and then sent on his way.
There needs to be more done for someone in need of help.
Tyler, like most things, we had the right answer and then in the mid 60’s we went off the rails.
We had psych wards which were all closed down from the mid 60’s-90’s due to liberal ideology . Now we have the street to jail rotational system for our mentally ill. Most of these mentally ill people cannot be kept at home as they are a danger to themselves or others. This is what happens when glib leftists are allowed to run things. Anyone taken a look at the performance of our public schools over the last 10 years? We used to have 4-5 Exemplary schools in Brenham yet I see our school leadership and the public talk like we’re better than ever despite the facts.
Why was the suspect returned back to jail and not to the state hospital in Austin for a 3 day evaluation? Did MHMR decide it wasn’t necessary? That’s wrong!
Agree with you…. the evaluation done by the MHMR or Qualified Mental Health Professional seemed to be less than adequate and it sounds like the jail staff did a better job assessing the need which is why they called MHMR for an assessment, To me, it points to the need for reorganization of our local MHMR as I have known people using them and the services provided were lacking. The MHMR in neighboring counties seem to have much better handle on crisis screenings and providing services. This man was arrested shortly before noon, assessment called for by MHMR after their original assessment and then the suicide attempt happened around 2-2;30? Definitely seems to indicate a greater need for better training and qualified staff for those who desperately need help. I attend the Mental Health March to the Capitol each legislative session for the past 6 years and our State needs to wake up and realize that Texas remains 48 of 50 states in funding for mental health. This story is just another example which makes me feel heartbroken.
It happens and it has nothing to do with negligence. All inmate are placed in holding cell. If a qualified mental health professional interviewed this inmate and found that he was not at risk for suicide then that is what staff goes by. Jail staff makes rounds and that is documented. These suicide attempts all seem to be impulsive attempts. Decisions made suddenly after desperation sets in or maybe after a phone call to family doesn’t go well. There is no way staff can watch the cameras on a constant basis. The article also does not mention the manner in which the the inmate attempted the suicide. There is no way to determine or predict what feelings an inmate will have.
Why has there been no update on the lady killed by the drunk driver? That was a fast update from the sheriff to let everyone know they are not in the wrong!! I bet its someone that is someone in this community!!!!
How could this happen if the inmates are under camera surveillance? Aren’t they watched all day?
Sad. I hope he is able to get psychiatric care.
There is a great need for good psychiatric help in the Brazos Valley and sadly, it doesn’t seem to be given by our local MHMR. Breaks my heart.
I dont believe there are enough people working in the jail that have adequate training. The turnaround rate is very high and the pay is low.