Sheriff’s Deputies Intervene on Suicide Attempt in the Jail

September 12, 2008
Contact: Elise Schaffer, PIO Phone: (608) 284-6142 Email: schaffer@co.dane.wi.us
Sheriff's Office

At approximately 7:00 am today, Dane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a jail inmate attempting to commit suicide in the City County Building. The 34-year-old man from Madison went into the shower with a razor, cut his wrist in three places, and attempted to cut his throat. Jail medical staff also responded to the incident. The man has been transported to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment. He is currently in the Dane County Jail awaiting trial on charges of Theft of Personal Identification. Inmates are issued safety razors for shaving. The razors are given to the inmate during shower times and they are required to return the razors to deputies following their shower. At which time mental health staff determines the man is stable enough to return to the Dane County Jail, he will be placed on suicide watch. ###