By Craig Monger
An Alabama Sheriff’s Deputy had his ear partially bitten off while on duty.
The injury occurred on Dec. 14 when EMS called for assistance in subduing a subject who was threatening suicide.
According to Mike Swafford with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect evidently wanted to die but attempted to force law enforcement to pull the trigger.
According to Swafford, when the Deputy arrived on the scene, EMS attempted to talk the suspect into surrendering himself for psychiatric evaluation. The suspect ran inside, followed by the Deputy. A struggle ensued in which the suspect was able to get close to the deputy.
“The individual latched on to our deputy’s ear and ultimately [bit] a good portion of it off. From there they were able to subdue him and he ultimately did end up going for the psych eval and going to the hospital,” Swafford told WAFF.
The deputy was taken to a hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries, and the suspect was arrested and received a psychological evaluation.
[UPDATE] Doctors were unable to reattach the ear. He will have to look at reconstructive surgery. The Deputy was treated and released. Please continue to pray for his recovery and his family. This is a reminder that no call is routine. https://t.co/tqly6U2Ajn
— Morgan County Sheriff's Office (Alabama) (@morgan_sheriff) December 15, 2021
The Sheriff’s Office announced on Dec.15 that Doctors were unable to reattach the ear, and the deputy will have to get reconstructive surgery once the ear heals.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email Craig.monger@1819News.com.
