Inmate dies following attempted suicide at county jail

NEWTON — An inmate at the Jasper County Jail died at a Des Moines hospital overnight Saturday into Sunday following a suicide attempt, according to Jasper County Chief Deputy Sheriff Duane Rozendaal.

Michael Criqui, 23, of Newton was transported to Skiff Medical Center in Newton by ambulance around 6:30 p.m. Saturday and later airlifted to Des Moines by helicopter. Rescue crews were dispatched to the jail at approximately 6 p.m. after inmates in Criqui's pod called jail staff to the cell for assistance.

An initial investigation reveals Criqui tied a bed sheet around his neck and his bunk to commit the act.

Rozendaal said jail staff provided emergency rescue measures to Criqui until Newton Fire Department and ambulance crews and Jasper County deputies responded.

The Jasper County Sheriff's Office and the Polk County Medical Examiner's Office are also investigating the incident.

Online court records show Criqui was arrested and placed in the Jasper County Jail on Oct. 16 and Oct. 21 for possession of marijuana, third or subsequent offense, and other drug-related offenses. He was scheduled to have a preliminary bond hearing Nov. 2.

Contact Mike Mendenhall at mmendenhall@newtondailynews.com