An investigation into how an inmate suffered a gunshot wound while in the Cole County Jail has determined it was a self-inflicted wound.
Tuesday night, Cole County Sheriff John Wheeler said his office has submitted charges against Brandon McNeese. They are asking the Cole County Prosecutor's Office to charge McNeese with unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm.
Wheeler said his department is continuing to work with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, U.S. Marshall's Service and the Missouri Highway Patrol to determine how the weapon got into the jail.
The incident occurred at 5:05 p.m. Monday. McNeese was taken to a local hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries, then remanded into jail custody after release from the hospital.
Wheeler said the weapon used was a .22-caliber gun.
The jail was put on lockdown while cell searches took place.
Approximately 20 officers and deputies from the surrounding area helped search every cell in the jail, Wheeler said in a news release Tuesday morning. No other weapons were found.
The only visitors who can physically visit with inmates are lawyers and clergy, when time allows, Wheeler said. All other visiting with inmates is done via video.
Jailers do not carry firearms in the jail, Wheeler noted.
This was the first such incident to occur since the jail opened in 2011.
EARLIER COVERAGE:
Investigation continues into shooting at Cole County Jail