Theodore JePaul Barnett, an inmate of the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, was found unresponsive Monday in his cell by jail staff. Barnett was transported to Floyd Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. “At the request of Sheriff Burkhalter the GBI is conducting a thorough inquiry into the matter,” stated Deputy Carrie Edge, Public Information Officer. “Based on jail reports it appears to be a suicide; however, the GBI and coroner will make the final conclusion as to cause of death.”
Barnett, who led Floyd County Police on a 20 mile chase last Thursday, April 21, 2016, was booked on charges of five felony counts of obstruction of an officer, felony possession of cocaine, criminal attempt to commit a felony, aggravated assault on an officer in performance of duties and false imprisonment, first-degree burglary, two counts of interference with government property, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer for a felony offense, possession of drug-related objects, failure to stop at a railroad crossing, driving too fast for conditions, five counts of speeding, two counts of failure to obey a traffic control device, two counts of reckless driving, driving under the influence of multiple substances, two counts of driving on the wrong side of the road, four counts of passing in a no-passing zone, failure to maintain lane, driving on divided highways and a safety belt violation.
