Inmate attempts to grab officer's gun at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital

By Lee Higgins Crime and courts reporter

Posted on Thu, Jan 26, 2012 : 6:21 p.m.

A Washtenaw County Jail inmate who was being treated at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital early Wednesday assaulted a county corrections officer and attempted to grab his gun, but was restrained after a struggle, authorities said.

Robert Neibler, 27, of Tecumseh, who was awaiting trial on an armed robbery charge, was arraigned Thursday on charges of attempting to disarm a peace officer, attempted escape and assaulting a police officer.

Robert Neibler

Courtesy of the Saline Police Department

Neibler was taken to the hospital Tuesday night in Superior Township to be treated for self-inflicted injuries, Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department spokesman Derrick Jackson said. Jackson was not more specific on that situation.

As an officer was escorting Neibler to a restroom at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, Neibler assaulted the officer, Jackson said, and attempted to remove the officer's gun from its holster. Jackson said a struggle ensued and another officer assisted. The two officers restrained Neibler. Everyone involved suffered minor injuries.

At the time, Neibler was being held on $100,000 cash or surety bond as he was awaiting trial on charges, including armed robbery and larceny. Police say he held up a Domino's Pizza in Saline on Monday.

Neibler has prior convictions for breaking and entering and uttering and publishing. He is now being held on a total bond of $125,000 cash or surety, jail officials said, and is scheduled to return to court Jan. 31.

Tags: Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department,