COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) - Richland County officials say they've been asked to look into the death of an inmate at the Richland County Detention Center earlier this month, allegedly at the hands of detention officers.
Richland County Coroner Gary Watts says 58-year-old Matthew Green died of blunt force trauma to the neck. Green was being held in a holding cell at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center after being charged with public intoxication in Forest Acres, August 16.
According to a Sheriff’s Department spokesman, Green was “put into a headlock,” as he was being restrained by an officer. Green was later found unresponsive and transferred to the Dorn V.A. Hospital where he died on August 24.
In surveillance video released by the Richland County Sheriff's Department, you can see a detention facility officer grab Green and drag him off camera.
Authorities say the employee has been put on unpaid leave as a result. The guard's name has not been released.
"If in fact after our review, and pending the outcome of the investigation if we find there was any breach of our standard operating proceedures, this issue will be dealt with swiftly," said County Spokeswoman Stephany Snowden.
Once the investigation into the incident is complete, a report will be sent to 5th Circuit Solicitor Dan Johnson for review and to determine if any charges should be filed.
After watching the security video, do you feel there was any wrong doing on the part of officers? Leave a comment here or on our Facebook page.
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