ALACHUA CO., FLO – An inmate was found hanging inside his cell at the Alachua County jail on Sunday.
Deputies are investigating the incident that occurred at the Alachua County Jail involving inmate Kellum West.
At around 1:30 a.m., a Detention Officer conducting a routine check in Pod 3E discovered West hanging from a bed sheet that he had fashioned into a noose and attached to a vent in the ceiling. Jail staff immediately called for assistance, entered West’s cell, and removed him from the hanging position.
Efforts were made to save West’s life by performing CPR, and emergency medical services were requested. Alachua County Fire and Rescue paramedics continued the life-saving measures before West was transported to a local hospital, where he is currently in critical condition.
Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies secured the scene, and Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division and Investigators from the Office of Professional Standards were called in. An initial inspection of West’s cell revealed several writings believed to have been authored by West, indicating his desire to take his own life. It is important to note that West was the sole occupant of his cell and was housed in a mental health pod.
The investigation is still in its early stages and ongoing.