Homeless Man Tries Hanging Himself in Cell at Tinley Park Police Station

Police sent a 32-year-old homeless man to an area hospital last week after he tried hanging himself in a holding cell at the Tinley Park Police Department.

The man was arrested around 1 a.m. Feb. 15 in the 17300 block of South 70th Avenue in Tinley Park, where he was reportedly drunk and knocking on a window at his parents' home. A Cook County order of protection prohibiting the man from seeing his parents was issued Nov. 30, 2011, according to the police report.

He was soon arrested and charged with violating that order. It was at that time that police said he began acting belligerent, refusing to be processed upon reaching the police station.

" … (The suspect) was placed in a cell so that he may sober up," the police report said. "While in (it, he) removed his clothing and began using his clothes in attempt to hang himself."

When an officer took his clothes away from him, he began slamming the cell's mattress against the bars and shouting, police said. 

Paramedics came and placed the man on a gurney, at which time repeatedly told officers and medical staff that if he had to go to Cook County Jail, he would kill himself.  

He was taken at 2:10 a.m. to Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest. Officers stood watch at his hospital door.

Medical staff told police the man's .24 serum alcohol level would have to drop to zero before they could properly assess him. He was released Feb. 16 at 1 p.m., when he was taken back to the police department for processing and to await bond call.

He faces one count of violating an order of protection.

Looking for more police news?

South Suburban DUI Arrests, Feb. 19

Court Watch: Frankfort Man Pleads Not Guilty to Trying to Buy Sex With Minors

Fatal Heroin Overdoses Spur County Action

Police: Fired Dental Employee Accused of Stealing Money and Supplies

Scam Artists Use Granddaughter to Exploit 73-Year-Old 

Like us on Facebook