By Kevin Dayton

Advertiser Big Island Bureau

HILO, Hawai'i — A 52-year-old man was hospitalized in critical condition after falling in the Hilo police cellblock and striking his head on a concrete bed foundation, police said.

Police said the Hilo man had been arrested on suspicion of abuse of a family or household member Wednesday, and apparently had been drinking.

A police officer placed the man in a holding cell at about 6:15 p.m., but the detainee attempted to leave the cell as the electronic cell door was closing, said Lt. Randall Medeiros.

The police officer attempted to prevent him from leaving the cell, and the detainee fell and struck his head on a raised concrete platform that serves as a bunk, police said.

The man was taken to Hilo Medical Center, and later flown to The Queen's Medical Center. He was initially listed in critical condition, but was later upgraded to stable but serious condition, Medeiros said.

Police declined to release the names of the detainee or the officer, and said detectives have opened an investigation into attempted assault on a law enforcement officer.

Medeiros said there is no allegation of misconduct by the officer, who reported for work as usual yesterday.