An investigation is underway by the Indiana State Police following the death of an inmate at the Sullivan County Jail. The deceased has been identified as 37-year-old Brandon M. Houser, according to a news report by WISHTV.
Finding Houser unresponsive during a routine cell check on Thursday, jail officers immediately attempted to provide medical assistance, as detailed by WTWO/WAWV. Emergency medical services were called to the scene but were unable to resuscitate the inmate, who was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
The Sullivan County Coroner’s Office subsequently performed an autopsy which revealed the injuries were self-inflicted, indicating no foul play in the incident. A news release from the state police enumerated these findings and confirmed that the investigation is active and ongoing. Further assistance has been provided by the Criminal Scene Investigation (CSI) unit of the Putnamville State Police District to ascertain the full circumstances of Houser’s death.
Prior to his death, Houser had been involved in a police chase in Shelburn earlier in the day, WTHITV reported. Failing to stop his vehicle for a traffic violation, Houser allegedly led police on a six-mile pursuit before crashing into a tree. Once treated for injuries sustained in the crash, which were characterized as non-life-threatening, he was booked into Sullivan County Jail. The investigation into Houser’s death is being led by Indiana State Police detectives.
