The Florida Atlantic University police officer who was arrested for shooting and nearly killing an escort is in serious condition Thursday after he tried to kill himself in jail.
Jimmy Dac Ho was found hanging in his cell by Palm Beach County deputies around 5 a.m., according to the Sun-Sentinel.
The 47-year-old was rushed to a nearby hospital in serious condition, Sheriff's Office spokesman Eric Davis said.
Ordered held without bond, Ho had been charged with attempted murder in the Monday shooting of 29-year-old Shari Carter inside her Boynton Beach home.
Ho, who patrolled FAU's campus for four years, told police that he had met Carter online and went to the woman's apartment to have sex. Ho allegedly told police he got spooked and thought Carter was going to try and rob him.
Ho told police he handcuffed Carter to her bed when he thought she had a knife. He claimed a struggle ensued and he shot Carter in the abdomen when she tried to grab his gun.
A second shot was fired, striking Carter in the neck.
"The defendant quickly then blurted that it was self defense and that she struggled with him over the gun," a police report of the incident said.
Police found Carter later Monday night after her boyfriend asked them to check on her. She underwent emergency surgery, but officials said she is paralyzed from the waist down.
Ho was placed on administrative leave from FAU's police force Tuesday, but quit the job later in the day.
Ho worked two years with the Broward Sheriff's Office until he was terminated after he was convicted for disorderly conduct, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
