From the Office of the Sheriff Sheriff Dennis L. Dotson

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For Immediate Release

NEWS RELEASE

Date: October 19, 2006

Contact:	Deputy Steve Frey 541-265-4277 x2749 sfrey@co.lincoln.or.us
Incident:	Attempted Suicide By Hanging
Date Occurred:	October 13, 2006
Time Occurred:	Approximately 7:15 PM
Location:	Lincoln County Jail

Summary:

On October 13th, 2006 Corrections Deputies thwarted an attempted suicide by hanging, after a man, identified as Donald Lewis, age 54, of Newport, Oregon was found in his jail cell with a blanket tied around his neck. Lewis threaded his blanket through the upper bunk in his cell then used the end of the blanket to fashion a make shift “noose” which he tied around his neck.

Deputies reported Lewis was unresponsive when he was found; however, once the blanket was removed he began to breathe normally and regained consciousness. After the incident, Lewis was placed on suicide watch for close observation where he continued banging his head and displaying irrational behavior. Lewis remained on suicide watch until he could be cleared by Lincoln County Mental Health.

Lewis was found approximately 15 minutes after he was lodged at the jail on a charge of Disorderly Conduct. Lewis was highly intoxicated and confrontational at the time of the initial contact with police.

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