Patient at Monroe hospital kills himself

A shooting incident Wednesday afternoon of last week at Monroe County Hospital in Monroeville left a Mineola man dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to Monroe County Sheriff Tom Boatwright, the events leading up to the shooting began Tuesday of last week when officials at the Monroe County Jail found inmate Kody Kyle Johnson on the floor of the jail with a severe cut to an artery near one of his elbows. Johnson, 25, of Mineola had apparently cut himself with a piece of sharp metal and was bleeding heavily when corrections officers discovered he was injured.

Officers immediately began first aid and called for an ambulance. Johnson was then transported to Monroe County Hospital, where he was placed inside the hospital's intensive care unit for treatment. Johnson spent the night in the hospital and was due for release around 3 p.m. on Wednesday of last week.

As hospital workers prepared for Johnson's release, Johnson grabbed a cup of hot coffee from a nearby counter and threw it in the face of the jail transport officer who was in the room with Johnson. A struggle between the two men ensued, and the 6-foot-2, 250-pound Johnson managed to gain possession of the officer's handgun. Johnson then fatally shot himself with the gun in front of the officer and intensive care nurses.

Sheriff's deputies, Monroeville police and other responders immediately responded to the incident, and Boatwright emphasized "that the safety and well-being of the public, hospital staff and patients remained the utmost priority throughout the incident."

Boatwright noted that "we were extremely blessed" that no hospital staff, patients or members of the public were harmed during the incident. Boatwright said that, in order to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) was called in to assist with the death investigation. Boatwright said his department would fully cooperate with the SBI during the course of the investigation. He asked that anyone with relevant information about the incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.

Boatwright expressed his deepest condolences to Johnson's family and loved ones. He said he also understands that the incident has undoubtedly caused distress and concern within the community, and he assured the public that every effort would be made to provide a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired.

"The Monroe County Sheriff's Office remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and safety for everyone within our jurisdiction," Boatwright said. "We will continue to work closely with the State Bureau of Investigations and the Monroe County Hospital to ensure the security and well-being of all residents and visitors."

Records reflect that Johnson was arrested on April 3 on two counts of first-degree receiving stolen property, and he had remained in jail since that time.