63 year-old woman with a history of mental illness sues Gila County for false imprisonment and mistreatment after being forced to drink toilet water.
Tamara Barnicoat, 63, was arrested and jailed while having a psychotic episode back in October of 2019 for trespassing and other minor offenses. She was then held for 27 days without any criminal charges pressed against her. Being away from her medication and support caused Barnicoat to have more episodes while in jail. These unusual behaviors included splashing water, which caused the jail’s staff to isolate her and shut her cell’s water off for two days. Now, it can be understandable to take actions such as these, however, the staff did not offer her even a glass of water while her water was out. This led her to a severe level of dehydration that forced her to drink water from the toilet. Now free, Barnicoat is suing Gila County not for personal gain, but for the better treatment of the mentally ill who are arrested. If you or a loved one has been mistreated or arrested, call us toll-free at 833-854-8181, or visit one of our offices out of Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, or Tempe, AZ.
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