Lancaster jail inmate in stable condition after apparent suicide attempt

An inmate the Lancaster city jail is reported in stable condition after an apparent suicide attempt.

The unidentified man was booked at the city jail around 3 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. While being processed, the man was placed in a holding cell by himself. After the booking officer left the jail area, the suspect attempted to hang himself “within minutes,” according to a press release issued by Lancaster police.

An officer was alerted by the jail’s telecommunications officers, and the officer rendered first aid to the inmate. EMS and first responders were also called to the scene and performed first aid on the man.

He was transported by ambulance to Springs Memorial Hospital, and later transported to another area hospital for treatment. He was listed in stable condition, according to the release.

Lancaster police are conducting an internal investigation into the circumstances around the incident, and the State Law Enforcement Division has also been called in to perform an independent, parallel investigation.

Lancaster Police Chief Harlean Carter could not be immediately reached for comment.

This story was originally published March 26, 2015 at 4:29 PM with the headline "Lancaster jail inmate in stable condition after apparent suicide attempt."