June 05--SOUTH BEND -- A 33-year-old Elkhart man arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct Monday reportedly attempted suicide by wrapping a seatbelt around his neck in the back of a police car.
After fighting and resisting with police, the suspect was eventually secured at Memorial Hospital, where he is undergoing a 24-hour detention and mental evaluation, police said.
Police were called to Jovi's Bar & Restaurant in the 1900 block of South Miami Street about 10 p.m. Monday and were confronted by the man, who was allegedly taunting police, and demanding officers to kill him. He was arrested and put in the back of the police car on suspicion of public intoxication and disorderly conduct, said Detective Sgt. Ian McQueen.
Police said the man, despite wearing handcuffs, was able to maneuver his body and wrap the belt around his neck. Officers were able to cut the seatbelt off with a knife before he was seriously injured.
The man was taken to the hospital for mental evaluation, and then the St. Joseph County Jail. He was further restrained because police said he continued to berate officers and hurt himself by banging his head. An ambulance came to the jail to take him back to the hospital, where he had to be secured to a bed with restraints.
Staff writer Tom Moor:
574-235-6234
Copyright 2012 - South Bend Tribune, Ind.
