INDIANAPOLIS — A Marion County Sheriff's deputy was hospitalized after being assaulted in the Marion County Adult Detention Center on Sept. 19.
"We still do not have the final outcome of all of her injuries but definitely broken nose, possible concussion, lacerations to the face, bumps and bruises. She's very sore," said Col. James Martin.
Martin told 13News two deputies were doing a routine inmate count on Thursday. When the inmates returned to their cells, one of them, identified as Jamond Harris, reportedly began arguing with one deputy, who then pepper sprayed him.
Harris reportedly began punching the deputy several times, knocking her to the ground.
Martin said it is standard procedure to have two deputies doing inmate counts, but the incident highlights a real concern.
"Any incident, I mean we had John Durm, which is tragic. This incident is also tragic. Of course it's going to bring up flashbacks and questions, even internally within our own office," said Martin.
In July 2023, Marion County Sheriff's Dep. John Durm died after he was allegedly attacked and strangled by inmate Orlando Mitchell outside of the Criminal Justice Center, after returning from Eskenazi Hospital.
Martin said the sheriff's office is better staffed today than it was one year ago, but challenges remain.
"We're nowhere near where think we need to be, but we have a dedicated staff that are coming here everyday to serve the citizens of Marion County and to make sure the jail is as safe as it can be," said Martin.
Staff is hoping the injured deputy is able to recover not only physically, but mentally as well.
"We stand with her. We have our chaplains on standby for her. Our goal is to make sure that she recovers and that she's supported enough and able to come back in here and do her job effectively," said Martin.