Staff Report

An Ohio man attempted to commit suicide in the holding cell at the Middlesboro Police Department (MPD) on Sunday.

According to a media release, Marvin R. Clark, 63, of Ohio, was arrested by Sgt. Joe Holder of the MPD at the Days Inn on Cumberland Avenue and charged with disorderly conduct and alcohol intoxication after MPD responded to a domestic complaint at the motel.

While at the police department, Clark used his belt to construct a noose and placed his neck inside and leaned forward, according to the release. Holder discovered Clark within minutes and removed him from the noose and called medical assistance from the Middlesboro Fire Department (MFD).

The release states Clark was immediately transported to Middlesboro ARH, where he was later transferred to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tenn. He was listed in critical condition, according to the release.

Prior to being transported to the Bell County Detention Center, all persons arrested by MPD are booked at the police station, warrant checks and arrest document preparation. Those arrested are placed in a holding cell, while officers perform these functions.

Officers routinely leave the room briefly during the process. It is estimated that Clark was alone for approximately three to five minutes. He had given no indications that he was a danger to himself during contact with officers at the scene or during transport to the police station, according to the release.