A San Marcos man arrested on suspicion of beating, choking and raping a North County smoke-shop clerk at her workplace last weekend was hospitalized Tuesday after trying to kill himself in his jail cell, authorities reported.
A guard found 27-year-old Jason Edward Stey injured at Vista Detention Center this afternoon, according to sheriff’s public affairs. He was admitted to a trauma unit at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
Officials declined to disclose the nature and severity of Stey’s injuries.
Shortly before 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Stey allegedly attacked a worker at Dab Central Smoke Shop in the 900 block of West San Marcos Boulevard.
The employee told investigators she had been alone inside the store when Stey confronted and assaulted her. During the struggle, her dog tried to protect her, at which point the suspect allegedly sent the animal fleeing by punching it, the lieutenant said.
In light of the apparent suicide attempt, it was not immediately clear when Stey’s arraignment in the case, originally scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, might take place.
— City News Service
