A Lerdo detention deputy was injured in an altercation with an inmate on Tuesday, according to the Kern County Sheriff's Office.
The incident occurred at the Lerdo Pre Trial Facility after an inmate's contraband was seized by a deputy on May 29 just before 3 p.m., according to KCSO.
The inmate got into an argument about having it returned to him, and it became physical when he refused to get back into his cell, KCSO said.
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The Kern County Detention Officers Association says the inmate broke through the lock on his cell door. According to KCSO, the incident happened in a secure, open area of the housing unit.
The deputy attempted to physically move the inmate back into his cell, KCSO said. The deputy suffered minor to moderate injuries and was treated offsite. KCSO said he was cleared to return to work the next day, and KCDOA said he was on medical leave.
KCSO said the inmate did not escape the facility or the grounds, nor did he ambush the deputy.
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A new $126 million justice facility opened at Lerdo last month. As inmates are in the process of being moved, KCSO says there are still pods with cell doors that can be compromised. In March, Sheriff Donny Youngblood said inmates could "easily defeat" Lerdo locks. The Sheriff's Office anticipates the locks to be replaced later this monthy.
