At approximately 5:15 a.m. Thursday, former RCSO Deputy John Scott Sharkey was found in a single occupant cell at the Columbia County Jail with a bed sheet around his neck, authorities say.
The sheet was affixed to the upper bunk and he was on the lower bunk area when found.
“Staff members cut the bed sheet and attempted medical aid with the assistance of our on-duty nurse,” sheriff’s Maj. Steve Morris said in a press release. “Logs show he was checked by staff when security rounds were made at 4:47 am and he was fine at the time.”
Sharkey had been at jail 21days. No foul play suspected and an autopsy is scheduled for Thursday, Maj. Morris said.
Earlier Story from Dec. 8:
The suicidal deputy who led authorities on a two-state chase last month has been fired from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and arrested for stalking his wife.
John Sharkey, 51, was labeled a “danger to the community” last week by Superior Court Judge Daniel Craig in an arrest warrant for felony aggravated stalking. The judge ordered no bond, and the former K9 officer is being held at the Columbia County Jail. He appears to be wearing an anti-suicide smock in his mugshot.
The deputy made big news Nov. 22 when he became suicidal and fled from a Columbia County deputy who was trying to conduct a welfare check. The high-speed pursuit led into Richmond County and was terminated at the South Carolina line.
Sharkey was eventually located and voluntarily committed himself for treatment. At the time, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office thanked everyone for their help and professionalism in handling the matter.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has since issued citations against him for reckless driving and fleeing police. Last Thursday, the agency officially terminated Sharkey’s employment.
According to court documents, Sharkey was served a Family Violence Protective Order on Nov. 24. But Judge Craig received sworn testimony on Friday – 10 days later – that Sharkey violated the order by telling his son that he planned to harass and intimidate his wife.
So, Judge Craig ordered Sharkey’s arrest in a blistering warrant. He wrote, “Because the court finds that the defendant is a danger to the community and is a danger to commit violent crimes, including, but not limited to, stalking and battery – it is no further ordered that bond is denied until such time as the defendant is presented to this court and upon notice to the District Attorney for the Augusta Judicial Circuit.”
