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Rape suspect dies of self-inflicted injuries

A San Marcos man jailed on suspicion of rape died of an apparent suicide while in custody, authorities said Wednesday. Jason Stey, 27, died at 10:10 p.m. Tuesday, according to San Diego County she...

SAN DIEGO (CBS 8/CNS) - A San Marcos man jailed on suspicion of rape died of an apparent suicide while in custody, authorities said Wednesday.

Jason Stey, 27, died at 10:10 p.m. Tuesday, according to San Diego County sheriff's Lt. John Maryon.

Earlier in the day, the sheriff's department said Stey -- who allegedly beat, choked and raped a North County smoke-shop clerk at her workplace last weekend -- was hospitalized after trying to kill himself in his jail cell.

A guard found Stey injured at Vista Detention Center Tuesday afternoon, according to sheriff's public affairs. He was admitted to a trauma unit at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.

Officials declined to disclose the nature of Stey's injuries.

Shortly before 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Stey allegedly attacked a worker at Dab Central Smoke Shop in the 900 block of West San Marcos Boulevard.

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The employee told investigators she had been alone inside the store when Stey assaulted her. During the struggle, her dog tried to protect her, at which point the suspect allegedly sent the animal fleeing by punching it, the lieutenant said.

Stey was scheduled to make his first court appearance in the case Wednesday.

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