WASHINGTON CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE ISSUES DISCIPLINE AFTER INCIDENTS OF ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE OF FIREARM, UNATTENDED INMATE

  

At least one Washington County Sheriff’s Office employee was disciplined following incidents of accidental discharge of a firearm and an inmate left unattended inside a sheriff’s office vehicle.

Sheriff Trey Holleway stated that on May 12^th, an employee accidentally discharged their weapon inside the sheriff’s office.  Holleway said the incident occurred in a secure area and only resulted in property damage.  

The employee in question received discipline in the form of time off without pay and is scheduled for remedial training.  Holleway said instances of this nature typically carry a suspension of two to three days, adding that the employee has completed that suspension.

The second incident occurred outside the county courthouse on the morning of May 22^nd, during the peace officer memorial service in downtown.  According to Holleway, an inmate was left unattended inside a transport vehicle that was turned off. 

Once the inmate was discovered, they were brought inside the courthouse for air conditioning and were offered to be checked out by medics before being taken back to the county jail, where additional medical assistance was offered.  Holleway said the inmate turned down medical help, adding that in regards to the inmate’s condition, “Nothing was observed that was concerning.” 

Per Holleway, the employee responsible was immediately relieved of their duties for the day and placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation.

Holleway called the matter “very unfortunate” and said it placed “undue danger” on the inmate.  He said the sheriff’s office takes its roles and responsibilities very seriously and acknowledged, “There was a mistake made.”

Holleway could not confirm whether it was only one individual or more that faced discipline in wake of the two incidents, nor could he identify the involved parties, saying that information would have to come from an open records request.  He did say this has been the first situation involving this employee – or employees – since he became sheriff in January, and that commissioners were notified.