Authorities Investigating The Near Death of An Ocean City Man While in Jail

MAYS LANDING– Authorities are investigating the near death of an Ocean City man in an Atlantic County jail that occurred last weekend.
Richard Michael Long Jr., 22, of Ocean City, was committed to the jail Friday, June 11, after being arrested in Ocean City on an outstanding warrant for simple assault out of Egg Harbor Township.
Long was found hanging in his cell in the normal housing unit at about 3:15 p.m., Sunday. He was taken to Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point where he was hospitalized.
His mother, Elnora Haring, of the Pomona section of Galloway Township questioned the jail’s explanation of her sons injuries in a report by the Press of Atlantic City.
According to the report Haring said his right eye was swollen shut, his orbital bones were smashed and he had a mark on his neck that she doesn’t believe would have come from hanging injuries from a sheet. He appeared to have been “beaten within an inch of his life”, she said in the report.
Haring also questions whether he would try to commit suicide when he only needed to make a $500 bail.
The Press of Atlantic City reported Long was in a medically-induced coma for a short period however the Herald was unable to confirm this report with Shore Memorial hospital staff Friday night . According to the on duty nursing supervisor they are not permitted to release any details on inmates and referred any questions regarding an inmates condition to the jail.
Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Public Information Officer Madelaine Vitale said Friday night no information could be released on an ongoing investigation unless chargers are filed. She did provide a statement from Prosecutor Ted Housel regarding the incident: ““The jail has a protocol. We are notified of any major incident that occurs there. We investigate those within the jurisdiction of our Major Crimes Unit, which includes death. In the absence of death, the Atlantic County Justice Facility has its own investigations unit, apprised of sworn personnel. My office can always supercede when our review of the case calls for it. “”