County Jail Inmate Attempts Hanging, Assaults Custody Deputies

Custody deputies on duty at the Santa Barbara County Jail Sunday night intervened when an inmate was seen to be attempting to hang himself. As they entered the cell, the inmate struck one in the head and then ran for it. He fought several deputies, even after being tased, and injured them sufficiently for two to be sent to the hospital for treatment, along with the deputy with the head wound. None had to remain at the hospital.

The inmate was also being investigated for apparently initiating an assault on other inmates earlier that day in a dormitory housing unit. His name was not released due to the pending investigation. A criminal complaint of battery on a peace officer and resisting arrest is being sent to the District Attorney’s Office.