Unity
Edward Hawkins was placed in a single observation cell around 3 a.m. Friday because he was intoxicated, Superintendent David Berry said Friday afternoon.
During routine cell checks, a Department of Corrections supervisor found Hawkins unconscious and unresponsive, according to a news release from Berry and Sullivan County Attorney Marc Hathaway
“Efforts by DOC staff and emergency responders failed to revive Hawkins, and he was pronounced dead by the medical examiner approximately one hour later,” according to the release.
The release states that Hawkins “was subject to regular observation” by corrections staff while in custody. Berry told the Valley News that the protocol calls for a check on the detainee every 15 minutes.
The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and New Hampshire State Police are currently investigating the manner and cause of Hawkins’ death.
The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office has also been notified.
An autopsy is planned. No further information will be released until the results of the autopsy and toxicology tests are back, the release states.
Claremont Police Chief Alex Scott said his department received a report from a caller around 2:30 a.m. regarding an “intoxicated male outside of 129 Broad Street.”
He said his department’s protocol is to first try and find a sober person to take custody of an individual. If police are unable to do so, they then transport the man or woman to the county jail, which is what happened in Hawkins’ case, Scott said.
It is not uncommon for his department to receive calls about intoxicated individuals in the community. Between May 17 and May 31, his department received five similar calls, Scott said.
Police departments statewide report similar statistics, he noted.
The chief said he couldn’t comment on whether Hawkins had dealings with city police in the past.
Timeline of events, according to the Claremont Police Department:
Caller reported intoxicated male outside 129 Broad St. at 2:35 a.m.
Protective custody determination for Hawkins made at 2:40 a.m.
Transport by Claremont police to Sullivan County House of Corrections started at 2:47 a.m.
Hawkins arrived at the House of Corrections at 2:54 a.m.
Claremont police officer cleared the House of Corrections and returned to Claremont at 3:07 a.m.
911 call for police and medical personnel to the House of Corrections for male patient not conscious, not breathing at 4:08 a.m.
Jordan Cuddemi can be reached at jcuddemi@vnews.com or 603-727-3248.