Saturday, November 22, 2008

Former Sheriff Candidate Robert Hill Ordered Involuntary Committed

A former candidate for Pierce County Sheriff has been ordered into involuntary commitment at a mental health facility following his release from the Pierce County Jail.

Robert Jesse Hill, 28, was arrested Wednesday after he allegedly pointed a replica handgun at a security guard at the Pierce County courthouse.

Hill was at the courthouse to attend the arraignment of Issac Sherman Powell, who was arrested Wednesday after deputies said he tried to enter the courthouse carrying a handgun. Sheriff's spokesman Detective Ed Troyer said the gun Powell was carrying is registered to Robert Hill's mother.

Hill was also arrested on Monday for allegedly driving on a suspended license. He was wanted on a warrant and showed up for a court appearance at the Pierce County courthouse.

Hill was involuntarily committed after a mental health review prior to his release from jail Thursday night. Hill will likely remain in the hospital until he appears before a judge next week.

Hill ran for Pierce County sheriff in the November election, garnering more than 50,000 votes or close to 20 percent.

He is also under investigation for possible death threats against the sheriff, Troyer said.

During his campaign for sheriff, Hill made statements about his opponent Sheriff Paul Pastor dying before taking office.

In a telephone interview with KIRO 7 South Sound reporter Kevin McCarty Hill said, "Jehovah's probably going to strike him down here in the next couple months," claiming God was angry at Pastor.

Due to federal privacy laws, Puget Sound hospital and the Pierce county sheriff's department cannot comment, or confirm Hill's commitment.

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