Family Of Man who Attempted Suicide Sues Police
The mother of a man who attempted suicide while in jail filed a federal lawsuit against police, claiming their negligence led to his permanent disability.Dean Vargo, of Plum, was arrested two years ago for failure to appear in court for drug possession and related charges. While in jail, he attempted to hang himself.
When he was arrested, Vargo was found to be under the influence of heroin, which should have prompted police to place him under a suicide watch, according to the lawsuit.
Paramedics performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation after he tried to hang himself with a T-shirt but he has been a “human vegetable” since, the lawsuit claimed.
Allegheny County police investigated Plum’s handling and found no wrongdoing, said Mike Thomas, borough manager.
The suit seeks unspecified monetary damages for negligence and breach of duty.