Man Injures Self Breaking Into Jail
Sylvester Jiles Taken To Nearby Hospital
POSTED: Tuesday, September 1, 2009
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. -- A man was seriously injured after he climbed a fence and fell through razor wire while attempting to get back into jail because he said threats were made against his life, according to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies said that Sylvester Jiles, 24, came to the jail at about 7:30 p.m. Monday and told corrections officers he needed to be placed in protective custody due to the threats.
WKMG-TV reported that Jiles was released from jail on Friday and was given probation for a manslaughter conviction.
Deputies told Jiles that deputies would respond to investigate his claims. While they were waiting, officers reported that Jiles was acting "strange" and "erratic," pacing in the parking lot.
According to deputies, Jiles sprinted to the jail perimeter fence, jumped between the barbed wire, ran to the next fence, climbed it and fell through three levels of razor wire.
Deputies reported that Jiles suffered serious injures in the fall and lost a lot of blood. He was taken to a nearby hospital.
Deputies declined to say if the alleged threats against Jiles were connected to his recent release. Jiles had spent the last two and a half years in jail in connection with the fatal shooting of Dustin Prouse, 19, in February 2007.
On Friday, Jiles pleaded guilty to manslaughter before Judge George Maxwell and received eight years of probation. He had previously been charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and firearm enhancement.
Prosecutors said a lack of credible witnesses led to the plea deal. The state opted to accept the plea to ensure that Jiles would be monitored, rather than risk an innocent verdict in trial.
If Jiles violates the terms of his probation, he will face 15 years in prison.
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