By Corrections1 Staff
BOULDER, Colo. — A former Colorado inmate has filed a lawsuit against a sheriff after he said jail employees did nothing to prevent him from gouging his own eyes out during a psychotic episode.
KTRK reports that ex-inmate Ryan Partridge, who suffers from schizophrenia, said he erupted in a violent episode that led him to gouging his own eyes out. The incident occurred after Partridge was sentenced for misdemeanor harassment after serving 181 days behind bars, KMGH reports.
In one incident, Partridge jumped from the second-tier cells down to the floor. Jail employees attempted to give Partridge medication, but he refused to take it because he said he didn’t trust them. Four weeks later, Partridge stripped his clothes off in a fit of rage and pressed his fingertips into his eyes, which left him blind.
Partridge and his family said the facility was unprepared to deal with inmates with mental health issues.
The sheriff’s office spokesman said they did everything they could to help the former inmate, and that the allegations are completely untrue.
“Our mental health professionals, deputies and staff faced very difficult situations involving Mr. Partridge, and went above and beyond in trying to assist him during his time in custody,” the spokesman said.
Partridge and his family are seeking compensatory and punitive damages.