Inmate fatally shot at Vancouver hospital identified

Published 1:30 am Friday, May 19, 2017

VANCOUVER — Authorities have identified the inmate who was fatally shot Thursday by a corrections deputy at a hospital in Vancouver, Washington.

The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office said John Martin, 66, died Thursday. His city of residence was unconfirmed.

The medical examiner’s office says his cause of death was a gunshot wound to the torso.

Martin was in custody at Clark County Jail and taken to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center Wednesday after he complained of experiencing a medical issue.

On Thursday while two deputies were guarding him in a hospital room, the sheriff’s office says “the inmate took action,” which resulted in a deputy shooting Martin.

Officials say he died in surgery.

Martin was being held on parole violation, escape from community custody and unlawful possession of a firearm charges.

Authorities are investigating his death.