An inmate who arrived at Howard County Detention Center on Sunday attempted to commit suicide yesterday morning, but corrections officers intervened, said Melanie C. Pereira, detention center director.

Melvin Jones, 23, of Laurel attempted to hang himself with a shoelace, Pereira said. He was discovered by officers at 8: 35 a.m. during a routine check, which is done every half-hour. He had been checked previously at 8: 02 a.m.

Officers performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Jones before he was taken to a hospital, where he was listed in stable condition last night.

Jones was charged with two counts of drug possession and one count of distribution of narcotics, police said.

Pereira said Jones did not have a criminal record and did not show signs of being suicidal.

The last time an inmate committed suicide at the facility was Feb. 11.

Police and detention officials are investigating.