Inmate Attempting Suicide Saved By Officers At Lake County Jail

WAUKEGAN, IL — Two officers at Lake County Jail saved the life of an inmate who tried to take his own life Monday, authorities said.

Around noon, a detainee being escorted back to his cell from a recreational area on an upper mezzanine level attempted to harm himself by jumping onto the floor below, according to a sheriff's office spokesperson.

Just as the 28-year-old unincorporated Round Lake resident leapt over the railing, Correctional Officer Garrett Parsell managed to grab him by his ankle and arm, preventing him from falling about 16 feet to the floor below, Lt. Chris Covelli said.

Parsell, a four-year veteran of the sheriff's office, was quickly joined by Correctional Officer Matthew Bellavia, who has been with the sheriff's office for nearly two years.

Bellavia grabs the detainee's arm as the man wriggles and writhes to try to free himself from the officers' grip, according to video of the incident released by the sheriff's office.

After about 10 seconds of struggling, the officers pull the man back over the railing, hold him to the ground and handcuff him.

“Officer Garrett Parsell and Officer Matthew Bellavia undoubtedly saved the life of this inmate and they are heroes in my book.," Sheriff John Idleburg said in a statement.

"They, along with their correctional staff colleagues, consistently go above and beyond to keep our inmates safe," he added. "I am incredibly proud of our correctional employees and the hard work they put in each and every day.”

Related: Deputies Save Life Of Man Overdosing In Lake County Jail Shower

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The inmate was uninjured, Covelli said, and has been placed under self-harm prevention protocols.

Anyone who is struggling can get help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or by texting HOME to 741741.