WAPAKONETA, Ohio (WOWO) – Benjamin P. Hopkins, 54, of Belle Center, died early Sunday morning while incarcerated at the Auglaize County Corrections Center.
WLIO Television reports that authorities say corrections staff discovered Hopkins unresponsive during a routine head count just before 1 a.m. Life-saving measures were attempted, and he was transported to St. Rita’s Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 1:37 a.m.
Hopkins had been booked into the jail on October 15 on charges of felonious assault and domestic violence. At the time of the incident, all inmates were on lockdown, and the jail conducts head counts twice an hour, exceeding the state requirement of once per hour.
The Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office said no foul play is suspected. The investigation is ongoing, with assistance from the Allen County Coroner’s Office.
Short Headline Options
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“Belle Center Man Dies at Auglaize County Jail”
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“Investigation Underway After Inmate Death in Ohio Jail”
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“Benjamin Hopkins Found Unresponsive at Auglaize County Corrections Center”
Radio Reader (30 Seconds)
Authorities are investigating the death of a Belle Center man at the Auglaize County Jail. Fifty-four-year-old Benjamin Hopkins was found unresponsive early Sunday during a routine head count. He was transported to St. Rita’s Medical Center but could not be revived. Hopkins had been booked on felonious assault and domestic violence charges. No foul play is suspected, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Key Details / Fact Box
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Name: Benjamin P. Hopkins
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Age: 54
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Location: Belle Center, Ohio
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Charges: Felonious assault (2nd degree felony), domestic violence (1st degree misdemeanor)
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Date Booked: October 15, 2025
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Date of Death: October 26, 2025, 1:37 a.m.
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Location of Death: Auglaize County Corrections Center / St. Rita’s Medical Center
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Jail Protocol: Head counts twice per hour, all inmates on lockdown
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Investigation: Ongoing, with Allen County Coroner assistance
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Foul Play: Not suspected
