Florida deputy was 'likely sleeping' when inmate escaped hospital: sheriff

A deputy in Flagler County, Florida, has resigned after witnesses say he fell asleep while guarding an inmate, allowing the inmate to escape custody.

"Witnesses indicate that Deputy Tyrique Harper was likely sleeping during the time of the escape and the inmate was not properly restrained in accordance to policy," the sheriff’s office said.

Harper had been relieved of law enforcement duties immediately following the escape on July 27 while a preliminary review of the incident was being conducted.