Inmate put into coma after reportedly injuring himself during transport

SAN JOSE » A Santa Clara County inmate was put into a medically induced coma after he reportedly injured himself while being transported to a the Main Jail Saturday, authorities said.

The 24-year- old inmate, who had been in custody at the Elmwood men’s jail in Milpitas on a misdemeanor assault charge and a probation violation, was in a Sherif f ’ s Office van headed to the Main Jail in North San Jose around 9:50 a.m. Saturday morning.

“At some point during transportation, he begins self-harming, striking his head against the walls of the van,” Sheriff’s Sgt. Richard Glennon said.

Deputies in the van were seated up front, and were physically separated from the inmate by a security partition, Glennon said, but they could see him through a viewing window. The inmate was restrained by shackles and a waist chain, and the van has bus- style seating.

“They accelerated the transport to Main Jail,” he said. “They pulled into the jail, and called for medical assistance. He was evaluated, and it was determined he should be transported to the hospital by fire or EMS.”

The inmate was taken by ambulance to Valley Medical Center. Hewas placed in a medically induced coma, according to multiple lawenforcement sources, who added that the jail transfer was requested by custody health personnel.