Critical Injury Incident Involving Inmate

Posted on 10/07/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Incident Involving Inmate in Adult Pod Results in Critical Injury

West Bend, WI – Authorities are investigating a serious incident that occurred at the Washington County Jail on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, when an inmate sustained critical injuries after deliberately jumping from a top-tier railing of an adult pod. The 28-year-old male inmate, from Minnesota, is being held on a $50,000 cash bond on charges related to a domestic incident that occurred on September 27, 2025. The pending charges include felony charges of 1st Degree Reckless Injury and Aggravated Battery.

At approximately 8:05 AM, correctional staff at the jail were alerted when another inmate in the pod called for assistance after hearing the inmate fall. Jail corrections officers and medical personnel responded and administered immediate medical care while awaiting emergency services.
Paramedics from the West Bend Fire Department arrived shortly thereafter and provided further medical support on-site. The inmate was then transported by ambulance to a regional trauma center for advanced treatment for his critical injuries where he remains under intensive care at the hospital.

In accordance with best practices for transparency, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office has requested the assistance of the East Central Wisconsin Sheriffs’ Investigative Team. This collaborative team consists of investigators from the Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Ozaukee, Fond du Lac, and Washington County Sheriffs' Offices. While not statutorily required for critical jail incidents, the Sheriff’s Office has taken this step to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. The Manitowoc Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigative agency.
“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the individual involved,” said Sheriff Martin R. Schulteis. “We take the safety and well-being of all individuals in our custody seriously and are committed to fully investigating this incident and working with external agencies to ensure transparency throughout the process.”

As this is an ongoing investigation, no further details are available currently from the lead investigative agency.