Ramsey Co. inmate's parents plan wrongful-death lawsuit

By Joy Powell, Star Tribune

Last update: November 1, 2007 - 8:12 AM

Randy Gallmeyer was arrested on an alcohol-related charge the evening of Oct. 19. Within 36 hours, at 7 a.m. Sunday, Ramsey County jail guards found him unconscious in his cell and had him transported to Regions Hospital. He died Tuesday, Oct. 22.

Now, Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher said late Wednesday, the sheriffs office is investigating how Gallmeyer, a diabetic, may have died and exactly how much jailers should have known about his medical needs. Also investigating, Fletcher said, is the Minnesota Health Department, which employs the nurses that work in the jail.

Gallmeyer, 46, of St. Paul, was booked into the Ramsey County jail just before 8 p.m. on suspicion of refusing to take a drunk-driving test when he was stopped while riding his scooter, jail records show.

His mother, Elenora Gallmeyer, told a Minneapolis television station that their son was diabetic and that family members had taken his medicine to the jail before he lapsed into a diabetic coma.

On Wednesday night, Fletcher said he was unaware of that until it was reported by FOX 9 News.

The parents have not contacted my office regarding this matter, so that was the first I had heard of that allegation, the sheriff said. But we certainly hope to reach out to them and find out any information they have regarding the medication.

He did see the nurses on Saturday, Fletcher continued. All of these issues will be part of our internal investigation as well. But at this point, the medical examiner has not determined the cause of death. It would be inappropriate for us to comment until one, we know the cause of death, and two, have had about a weeks worth of time to investigate the circumstances.

The TV station reported that Gallmeyers parents, Bernie and Elenora, intend to file a wrongful-death suit.

Were taking it seriously, Fletcher said. Weve begun an administrative investigation and we hope to be in contact with the family to determine some additional facts that we might now have.

The Ramsey County medical examiners office said toxicology tests are pending.

Its too early for me to make any definitive comments, Fletcher said. Well have to have an investigation of our staff conduct, and the Health Department will need to investigate the nursing staff. And well need to hear from the mother to determine what time it was that she allegedly alerted the deputies to the severity of his health issues.

The sheriff said Gallmeyer was intoxicated when he came into the jails custody.

Joy Powell 612-673-7750

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