An officer at the Pima County Adult Detention Center in southern Arizona was arrested on charges of aggravated assault following an incident involving an inmate. According to 12News, the altercation occurred late on August 31, when the inmate, who was being booked, reportedly failed to cooperate in the holding area.
During the clash, Corrections Officer Ayden Escarrega purportedly struck the inmate several times in the face, with the assault continuing even as the person fell to the floor. The Pima County Sheriff's Office reported the detainee suffered minor injuries as a result. Escarrega was consequently arrested on September 4 and has since been placed on administrative leave to definitely await the outcome of the investigation.
While the identity of the inmate has not been disclosed, the Sheriff's Office confirmed that robbery and assault detectives were brought in to gather evidence and conduct interviews at the detention center. The news of the arrest and subsequent investigation was first reported yesterday.
"During this incident, Corrections Officer (C.O.) Ayden Escarrega struck the inmate several times in the face while the inmate was on the floor, resulting in minor injuries," the Pima County Sheriff's Office said in a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix. The details surrounding what led up to the incident have not been elaborated upon by officials.
