Snohomish County Correction Deputy Assaulted by Inmate

Snohomish County, WA – A 53-year old Snohomish County Corrections Deputy was assaulted by an inmate at the jail on December 23rd, 2016.

According to a press release from Shari Ireton, Director of Communications for the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, the assault occurred around 4:30 a.m. in the psych unit of the jail.  The unit usually houses between ten and seventeen inmates and is supervised by one corrections deputy.

The inmate involved was out of his cell when he  assaulted the corrections deputy. Additional Deputies arrived at the module within a couple of minutes and were able to subdue the inmate.

The Corrections Deputy,  a 12-year veteran, sustained several injuries, although none are considered life-threatening.  He was reported to be alert, conscious and talking when transported by medics to a local hospital.

The 26-year old inmate was booked into the Snohomish County Jail last summer for two counts of 2nd degree assault and during the arrest, it is alleged that he assaulted the arresting Officers and attempted to take one of their weapons during the struggle.

Corrections Bureau Chief Tony Aston said “This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers we deal with day in and day out. The Corrections Deputy responded to the unprovoked attack as a true warrior and professional. He kept his wits and I am abundantly proud of him and his co-workers, whose quick response and actions most likely saved the Correction Deputy’s Life.”

Snohomish County Major Crimes Unit Detectives are investigating the incident. It is unknown how long the Deputy will be hospitalized said Ireton.