(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Two Lake County Sheriff’s officers are being praised as heroes after stopping an inmate from jumping from an upper mezzanine level of the jail in Waukegan.
It was Monday about noon when a 28-year-old inmate climbed over a mezzanine railing at the jail.
Lake County Sheriff’s Lt. Christopher Covelli said two officers rushed to pull the inmate back. First, Officer Garrett Parsell was able to grab the inmate’s leg and then his arm. Officer Matthew Bellavia ran up to assist.
“Officers Parsell and Bellavia were able to bring him to the top, above the railing to safety, where they were able to place him in handcuffs and escort him to our medical wing where he subsequently will receive mental health treatment,” Covelli said Thursday.
Covelli said it’s a 16- to 20-foot drop from the mezzanine.
He says both officers will be recommended for commendations.
The inmate who nearly fell had been charged with aggravated assault of a peace officer, battery and drug offenses, officials said.