Inmate Suicide Attempt Stopped By Gwinnett Deputy

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — A Gwinnett County Sheriff's deputy recently prevented an inmate at the county jail from committing suicide, according to the sheriff's office.

Sgt. Kelvin Barber was on duty at Gwinnett County Detention Center when, according to the sheriff's office, an inmate ran past him, attempting to run upstairs. The sheriff's office said the inmate intended to jump to his death.

Barber followed the inmate and grabbed him by his uniform, preventing him from committing suicide. In response, the inmate attacked Barber, swinging at his head in an attempt to free himself, but Barber held on.

The inmate is now receiving medical assistance, the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post.

"Law enforcement officers are often in situations where they have to suddenly react to an unexpected threat, which is why training and experience are so valuable," the post reads. "Every inmate in our jail is someone's loved one and we're very thankful that Sgt. Barber spared a family from receiving news of a dreadful, life changing tragedy."

Photo courtesy Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office