Auburn man arrested in standoff, assaulting officer commits suicide inside jail cell
An Auburn man facing charges in connection to a standoff and assaulting a police officer after a court hearing has died after he reportedly committed suicide inside a Lee County jail cell.
The events involving 33-year-old Randy Travis Navarre began on October 11, 2022, when Auburn Police responded to a domestic violence call near the 1000 block of Opelika Road. Officers attempted to perform a traffic stop on Navarre, who fled the crime scene in a vehicle. Navarre fled from police at a high rate of speed and he was located at a residence in the 1900 block of Windway Road minutes later.
Navarre refused to exit the residence and police discovered that three juveniles were also inside with Navarre. The Countywide SWAT team as well as hostage negotiators responded. During prolonged communications with Navarre, the Auburn Police Department was able to facilitate the release of the juveniles, and later Navarre surrendered to officers without further incident. The juveniles were evaluated by medical personnel and they were unharmed.
Police charged Navarre with domestic violence third-degree, attempting to elude a police officer and three counts of reckless endangerment.
Navarre was then transported to Auburn Municipal Court for a bond hearing on October 12, 2022, The Auburn Municipal Court ruled that the bond would be temporarily withheld, pending further evaluation and safety measures.
While being escorted for transport back to the Lee County Jail, Navarre assaulted an Auburn Police Officer. During the assault, Navarre attempted to take the officer’s firearm to perpetrate violence. Officers were able to regain control over Navarre and he was transported to the Lee County Jail.
The incident resulted in injuries to police personnel that did not require hospitalization and there were minor damages to property.
Navarre was charged with assault second degree, attempting to disarm a law enforcement officer, escape first degree, and criminal mischief third degree.
Navarre was currently held without bond. Following several hours after the assault on the officer and attempting to disarm the officer, Navarre was found unresponsive in his cell at approximately 7:00 PM. The inmate had fashioned a ligature out of a sheet that was hung from a bracket in the ceiling. Lee County Jail staff immediately started life-saving efforts and contacted Emergency Medical Services.
He was then transported to East Alabama Medical Center where he later passed away. Lee County Deputy Coroner Brad Whetstone confirmed the family was notified of his death per next of kin notification.
Russell County Sheriff’s Office Investigators were contacted to conduct an independent investigation which is standard procedure. This is a developing story. Stay with CNAW2NEWS.com for more.
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