Harford County Detention Center inmate dead from suicidal hanging in cell

Yesterday, officials announced that a 51-year-old inmate being held at the Harford County Detention Center in Bel Air, Maryland, died Wednesday night at the Upper Chesapeake Medical Center after hanging himself in his cell on Saturday.

At approximately 8:40 p.m., on Saturday, July 10, correctional deputies on a regularly scheduled inmate check of the housing unit found the inmate unresponsive in his cell with a sheet wrapped around his neck. Deputies called for medical staff from the detention center and available deputies to respond to support them in providing lifesaving efforts.

Deputies continued CPR and applied an AED for assistance. Medics from the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company and Harford County Department of Emergency Services responded and continued to administer care.

The inmate, Jack Lazar, 51, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was transported by ambulance from the detention center to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center for continued care. On Wednesday, July 15, Lazar died from his injuries.

Lazar had been booked into the Harford County Detention Center on Saturday, July 3, as a fugitive from another jurisdiction. He was awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania for trespassing, unlawful taking, and criminal mischief. He was being held on no bond.

In Harford County, Lazar had also been charged with drug and auto theft offenses from June 30, including narcotics possession with intent to distribute and theft from $1,500 to $25,000, court records show. ~ Patch

Pursuant to policy, the inquiry into Lazar’s suicide attempt was assumed by detectives with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. Investigators with the Forensic Services Unit also responded to document the scene and collect evidence. The investigation is ongoing.

(Source: Harford County Sheriff’s Office)