RHINELANDER — Police in Oneida County are asking for the public’s help in locating an inmate who walked away from a Rhinelander hospital while in police custody.

Jered Decker was last seen wearing a hospital gown and orange pants at St. Mary’s Hospital, police said. Decker, who is not considered dangerous, was arrested on charges of operating while intoxicated and possession of marijuana.

Corrections staffers were not with Decker when he walked away from the hospital, according to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department. A public statement from the department read:

“Health and medical clearance is our first priority. Custody does not always imply handcuffed with constant overwatch. In certain situations, it is necessary for individuals to remain at medical treatment facilities in and out of the county for days prior to incarceration. Many factors, including severity of the crime, go into determining whether a deputy would remain with an individual in custody.”

Anyone who knows Decker’s whereabouts should call 715-361-5201 or your local police department.

 

Health and medical clearance is our first priority. Custody does not always imply handcuffed with constant overwatch. In certain situations, it is necessary for individuals to remain at medical treatment facilities in and out of the county for days prior to incarceration. Many factors, including severity of the crime, go into determining whether a deputy would remain with an individual in custody.