Inmate Saved After Suicide Attempt

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

Murphy, NC— Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced that 27-year-old Robert William Sutton is alive today after a failed suicide attempt because of the quick actions of Cherokee County Detention Officers and Medical Staff.

Sutton was arrested by Cherokee County Deputies for failing to appear on a felony charge in Buncombe County, North Carolina on March 9th, 2017. Sutton was placed on a $2000.00 secure bond and was being housed in the Cherokee County Detention Center.

During the early afternoon hours of March 10th, 2017, fellow inmates in the cell occupied by Sutton alerted Detention Staff that Sutton appeared to be in an unconscious state. Detention Staff along with Medical Staff responded to the cell and found that Sutton had fashioned a makeshift noose from material and had attempted to hang himself in the cell by attaching the makeshift noose to his foot to enable him to restrict his airway. Detention Staff and Medical Staff provided lifesaving measures and revived Sutton who was later flown to a North Georgia hospital where he was later released.

​Sheriff Palmer said, “I want to commend the Detention and Medical Staff for their quick response and efforts. I am sure it was because of these measures that Mr. Sutton is alive today.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages anyone that has information to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.