Man Discovered Hanging in West Chester Holding Cell Dies, Police Say

A man discovered hanging in a West Chester police station holding cell over the weekend has died, according to police.

Robert Gordon, 53, of West Chester was discovered hanging in the cell Saturday night, according to police; he was rescued, resuscitated, and taken to Chester County Hospital, where he died on Wednesday.

The man had been arrested following an altercation that happened in the 200 block of South High Street earlier that evening, police said, and he was also being held for public intoxication.

Here is the full statement by West Chester Police Chief Scott Bohn, received via e-mail Thursday morning:

On Saturday 08/17/2013 Robert Gordon (W/M/53 YOA) last known address:  136 W Market St 3R, West Chester, was discovered hanging in the holding facility of the West Chester Police Department.  Robert Gordon was resuscitated.  Robert Gordon was transported to Chester County Hospital where he died a couple of days later.  08/21/2013

Robert Gordon was in custody as a result of an altercation that had occurred in the 200 Block of S. High St. earlier that evening.  He was being held on the above stated and public intoxication.

The Chester County Detectives office was immediately notified at the time of occurrence and requested to conduct an independent investigation of the circumstances of Robert Gordon death. 

Patch will be following this developing story and will post new details as they become available.