Report: Man Who Killed Deputy at St. Cloud Hospital Not Evaluated by Psychiatrist

ST. CLOUD (AP) - A report says the suspect who shot and killed a sheriff's deputy at St. Cloud Hospital last month was never evaluated by a psychiatrist while at the hospital.

The federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services also says the suspect was placed on a 72-hour hold by a physician assistant rather than a physician.

The review was released Monday. The report prompted the hospital to update its policies and training in recent weeks.

According to the report, Danny Hammond of Aitkin was airlifted to the hospital after trying to kill himself with an intentional overdose. Hammond was suspected of attacking his wife.

On Oct. 18, Hammond took the gun from Aitkin County Sheriff's Deputy Steven Sandberg and fatally shot him. Hammond died at the hospital.