TEXARKANA, Texas - An inmate in a holding cell at the Bi-State jail died Friday at a local hospital after suffering a medical emergency, according to county officials.
Paul Edwin Schmidt, 54, was in his holding cell when he suffered a medical emergency.
Schmidt collapsed in the floor and was attended by jail medical staff. An ambulance was called and lifesaving efforts by the jail medical staff, LifeLife Net personnel and firefighters from the Texarkana Arkansas Fire Department continued until his departure from the facility, said Bowie County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Robby McCarver. Schmidt was admitted to Wadley Regional Medical Center but died at 4:04 a.m. Friday, McCarver said.
Texas Ranger Joshua Mason responded to assist the Bowie County Sheriff's Office with the investigation into Schmidt's death. Justice of the Peace Nancy Talley ordered an autopsy that will be conducted by the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences at Dallas. Family has been notified of Schmidt's death, McCarver said.
Deputies with the Bowie County Sheriff's Office were dispatched Wednesday to 101 West Redwater Boulevard in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke to Schmidt, who had visible injuries to his face including both eyes being bruised, McCarver said.
Schmidt was travelling with another man, and the two had been involved in an argument that led to law enforcement being contatced. Deputies spoke with both men and learned that Schmidt had been assaulted at an area hotel a couple of days earlier.
Schmidt was arrested for possession of marijuana under two ounces and booked into the Bi-State jail. Schmidt had his bond set the following morning before his medical emergency in the holding cell.